BJP reaches out to Vijay’s TVK after Karur tragedy

TVK actor-neta Vijay. Pics/PTI

BJP has reportedly reached out to Tamil superstar Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), following the Karur stampede that killed 41 people. Sources have suggested the BJP hopes to tap into Vijay's vast fan following to strengthen its prospects in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. A senior BJP leader reportedly assured the TVK that Vijay would not stand alone if targeted by the DMK and urged patience as he navigates the ongoing crisis.

BJP has been quick to blame the DMK government for alleged mismanagement of the Karur event, while the DMK insists the TVK is responsible. Congress, too, has reached out to Vijay's party, signalling both national parties see the TVK as a potential disruptor in Tamil Nadu. While the BJP proceeds cautiously to protect its AIADMK alliance, it views Vijay's popularity as key to reviving its southern ambitions.

Forty-one poeple died in the TVK rally on September 27

In his September 27 rally in Karur, Vijay said that he would never support the "fascist BJP govt" and that, "The DMK family has indirect connections with the BJP. If you cast your vote for the DMK in the upcoming assembly elections, it will be akin to voting for the BJP. While it may appear they are at odds publicly,
they are actually collaborating behind the scenes."

Madras High Court comes down on him

Justice N Senthilkumar

Justice N Senthilkumar came down heavily on the TVK as he heard a Public Interest Litigation on the incident. "What kind of party is this? Everybody in the party fled from the place. Why has the police not issued any notice to the party?" He said, "The court highly condemns such an act of the political party especially when children and women have died. You have not even expressed remorse. This shows the mental state of the leader."

Police crack down on YouTubers

Mari Das

Known for his sharp commentary on the ruling party, YouTuber Mari Das has been arrested from his residence in Chennai's Neelankarai for allegedly posting inflammatory remarks against the state government over the Karur stampede tragedy. Mari Das's arrest is the second in the ongoing crackdown on social media after the arrest of Felix Gerald on October 1.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever