Vijay resumes public outreach in Kancheepuram, launches attack on DMK
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay returned to a public forum for the first time since the Karur stampede tragedy, addressing a tightly controlled indoor meeting near Kancheepuram on Sunday.
The actor-turned-politician, who has kept away from public events after 41 people died in a stampede during his Karur rally, delivered a sharp political speech aimed at the ruling DMK, while outlining his party’s welfare-focused agenda.
The TVK had earlier planned to launch Vijay’s campaign from Salem on December 4, after he met the families of those who died in the Karur tragedy, whom he invited to Mamallapuram for a private condolence interaction.
However, citing the Karthika Deepam festival and other logistical concerns, the police advised that the Salem rally be postponed. In this backdrop, the party held a fully indoor “People’s Meeting” at a private engineering college in Sunguvarchatram. Entry was restricted to 2,000 participants from Kancheepuram district, each carrying a QR-coded pass.
The party emphasised that the session was not a public rally, but a controlled indoor interaction.
Addressing the gathering, Vijay repeatedly invoked C.N. Annadurai and MGR, saying his political journey was inspired by their ideals. “Annaiyar was born in this very district. MGR kept him on the party flag because he believed in his vision. But what are those who inherited his party doing today?” he asked.
Vijay said the ruling party’s hostility towards TVK would not deter him. “Personally, I have no enmity towards anyone. They may hate me, but that does not matter. But if they come to power by lying and pretending to be doing good, how can we stay silent? We will question them,” he said.