Tamil Nadu, Feb 04 : Actor turned politician and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is preparing to relaunch his statewide election outreach with a high profile public rally in Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, signalling a renewed political push after a tragic stampede temporarily stalled the party’s campaign.
The party’s momentum had been disrupted on September 27, 2025, when a sudden crowd surge at a campaign event in Veluchamipuram, Karur, resulted in a stampede that injured 41 people. In the aftermath, TVK scaled back public engagements and paused several organisational programmes for nearly a month.
With activities now fully restored, the party recently convened a special general council meeting at a private venue in Mamallapuram, chaired by Vijay. Discussions centred on expanding the party’s grassroots network and outlining strategy for the next phase of the Assembly election campaign.
As part of this renewed outreach, Vijay is expected to address a massive gathering at Magudanchavadi in Salem. Party officials have submitted a formal request to the police seeking permission for the event, which is likely to be his first major rally in the state since the Karur incident.
Following the tragedy, Vijay had limited his public appearances, including a visit to Uppalam Harbour in Puducherry and a large meeting in Vijayamangalam, Erode district, on December 18, 2025. According to party sources, the upcoming Salem event is being designed with enhanced crowd-management protocols and stricter safety arrangements.
Notably, authorities had previously declined approval for a proposed Salem programme in December due to security concerns. TVK leaders, however, remain optimistic that the revised plan addressing safety requirements will secure clearance this time.
The choice of Magudanchavadi is also politically symbolic. The venue once hosted a campaign rally by former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa during the 2016 Assembly elections, lending added significance to Vijay’s planned show of strength as he intensifies preparations for the electoral battle ahead.