Vijay – Campaign Revival Gains Pace After Karur Rally Disruption
Vijay – Actor-turned-politician Vijay is preparing to restart his statewide outreach with fresh energy, nearly a month after a tragic incident in Karur district brought his party’s campaign activities to an abrupt halt.
The pause followed an unfortunate stampede that occurred on September 27, 2025, during a campaign programme held at Veluchamipuram in Karur. According to official accounts, an unexpected surge in the crowd led to chaos at the venue, leaving 41 people injured. The incident prompted the party to scale back its public engagements and temporarily suspend several organisational and campaign-related initiatives as a precautionary measure.
Temporary Halt to Public Programmes
In the weeks following the Karur incident, the party adopted a cautious approach, focusing primarily on internal assessments and administrative restructuring. Public rallies and large-scale gatherings were put on hold to allow time for reviewing safety protocols and coordinating with local authorities. Party leaders described the pause as necessary to ensure that future events could be conducted in a more controlled and secure manner.
Leadership Meeting Sets Direction
With the slowdown period now over, the party has moved to regain momentum. A special general council meeting was recently held at a private venue in Mamallapuram, chaired by Vijay himself. Senior leaders and key office-bearers from across the state attended the session, which focused on strengthening grassroots networks and outlining strategies for the next phase of the Assembly election campaign.
Participants said the meeting also addressed organisational discipline, volunteer coordination, and improved communication between district-level units and the central leadership. Emphasis was placed on careful planning for public events, particularly in areas where large crowds are expected.
Focus Shifts to Salem District
Following the internal review and planning process, Vijay is now mapping out his upcoming public engagements. The next major stop on his campaign trail is expected to be Salem district, where the party is proposing a large public meeting at Magudanchavadi.
Party representatives have formally approached the police department, seeking permission to hold the rally. If approved, the event would mark Vijay’s first major live public gathering in Tamil Nadu since the Karur stampede, making it a significant moment for the party’s renewed campaign push.
Recent Appearances Build Momentum
Although large rallies were paused within the state, Vijay made a public appearance earlier at Uppalam Harbour in Puducherry, which was seen as a measured step toward resuming outreach activities. This was followed by a sizeable public meeting on December 18, 2025, at Vijayamangalam in Erode district. That event drew a strong turnout and was conducted under heightened security arrangements, according to party sources.
Encouraged by the response and the smooth conduct of recent programmes, party leaders believe the time is right to return to a full-scale campaign, provided safety considerations remain a top priority.
Safety Measures Take Centre Stage
The proposed Salem rally, scheduled for January 13, is being planned on a much larger scale than recent meetings. Organisers say additional crowd management measures, improved entry and exit planning, and closer coordination with local authorities are being prioritised to avoid any repeat of earlier incidents.
It is worth noting that permission for a campaign event in Salem had previously been denied on December 4, 2025, due to security concerns raised by the police. The party has since reapplied, expressing confidence that revised arrangements will meet all required safety standards.
Symbolic Venue Adds Significance
Magudanchavadi holds political importance in the region, having served as a campaign venue for former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa during the 2016 Assembly elections. Party insiders say the choice of location adds symbolic value to Vijay’s planned rally, reflecting an intention to connect with the area’s political legacy while presenting a forward-looking message.
As preparations continue, all eyes will be on the authorities’ decision regarding permission and on how the party balances large-scale public engagement with the need for strict safety oversight in the weeks ahead.