Tragedy Strikes Tamil Nadu Rally: Vijay Faces Backlash After Crush That Killed 40

Thu Oct 16 2025 15:24:56 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A deadly crush at a political rally for Tamil film star-turned-politician Vijay has resulted in 40 fatalities, igniting a fierce debate over crowd control and political responsibilities.

During a recent rally in Tamil Nadu, a surge in the crowd led to a tragic crush, claiming 40 lives and stirring accusations against Vijay's party for poor planning and insufficient crowd management. As calls for accountability grow, Vijay's political future hangs in the balance amidst the chaos. A one-member commission will investigate the incident, while Vijay faces questions over his absence from the scene and the incident's impact on his political aspirations.

An Indian superstar-turned-politician is at the center of a massive controversy after 40 people died in a crush at his party's rally on Saturday. Tens of thousands gathered for Vijay's campaign event in Karur, Tamil Nadu, creating a surge that led to the tragedy.

As emotions run high, the opposition blames government officials for inadequate crowd control, while police attribute the disaster to the rally’s organizers, stating they underestimated attendance and did not implement sufficient safety measures.

Vijay, 51, one of Tamil Nadu's most bankable actors, transitioned into politics, sparking speculation and enthusiasm among fans. Despite a long-standing film career, his political journey is met with scrutiny, particularly with the rally disaster casting a shadow over his ambitions.

Born Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar, he launched the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party last year. His rise is reminiscent of prominent film stars like MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa, who transitioned successfully into politics.

However, with the recent event’s fallout, including demands for his arrest, Vijay faces an uphill battle. A commission is set to investigate, raising questions about public safety and political responsibility as the state government navigates the explosive situation.

Vijay has claimed to be 'shattered' by the incident, announcing compensation for victims, but his absence from the grieving scene has drawn criticism.

The repercussions of this event will significantly influence Vijay’s future in the political arena, prompting discussions on the viability of celebrity-driven political movements in India.