Erode, Tamil Nadu: Actor-turned-politician Vijay addressed a massive public gathering in the Erode district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday afternoon. This marked his largest rally in the state since the tragic stampede in Karur on September 27, which claimed the lives of 41 people. With this event, Vijay set the stage for his campaign ahead of next year’s state assembly elections.

During his speech, Vijay strongly criticized the ruling DMK, focusing on issues such as NEET exemption and the law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. Using a sharp metaphor, he remarked that the DMK’s problems are stuck together like Fevicol and cannot be separated. He portrayed the DMK as an evil force, while describing his party, TVK (Tamil Vetri Kazhagam), as a symbol of purity. According to Vijay, the political contest ahead represents a clash between pure power and evil.

He urged supporters to ensure their safety while attending the rally. The event took place near Vijayamangalam, the hometown of former AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan. Sengottaiyan joined TVK after being expelled from the AIADMK last month and is widely regarded as a senior leader with strong campaign expertise.

This was Vijay’s second major public meeting since the Karur stampede. His first large gathering after the incident was held in Puducherry last week, where he also delivered sharp criticism of the DMK. The Erode rally highlighted Vijay’s increasingly assertive political approach and clearly signaled a direct confrontation with the ruling party.

Strict measures were put in place to prevent disorder. Party workers were allowed entry only within scheduled time limits, and Vijay’s arrival was carefully planned to avoid any confusion or crowd surges. TVK Working Committee Coordinator Sengottaiyan and General Secretary Bhussi Anand personally oversaw the arrangements. Entry was restricted exclusively to cadre carrying valid identi

December 18, 2025

As a precaution, pregnant women, senior citizens, and children were advised not to attend the event. After a break of two and a half months, Vijay is not resuming his Meet the People campaign immediately. The TVK office also requested that individuals from outside the district avoid traveling to Erode and refrain from following Vijay’s convoy.