Karur, Tamil Nadu: Actor-turned-politician Vijay has reiterated that the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election will be a direct contest between his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Speaking at a special general council meeting of TVK on Wednesday, the party founder and chief presented a confident front, positioning his party as a viable alternative to the incumbent government led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The council meeting, held at a private hotel approximately 50 kilometers from Chennai, witnessed Vijay articulating a strong critique of the DMK, while emphasizing the singular focus of the political battle ahead. “The fight in the 2026 Assembly election will be confined between TVK and DMK, no one else,” Vijay asserted, with party functionaries echoing the sentiment in unison. The actor-politician went further, predicting that TVK would secure a “100 percent win”, expressing complete confidence in the party’s ability to make a decisive impact in the polls.

Karur Stampede: TVK Leader Critiques State Handling

A significant portion of Vijay’s address focused on the aftermath of the September 27 Karur stampede, an incident that claimed 41 lives and left over 60 injured during a TVK rally led by the actor. Vijay described the tragedy as a source of “indescribable anguish” and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. The actor-politician raised concerns over the state government’s handling of the incident, including the hasty appointment of a one-member commission of inquiry, which was later suspended by the Supreme Court.

Vijay highlighted public skepticism regarding the press meet conducted by top IAS and IPS officials, questioning the chronology of events presented to the public. “The people are asking why the state government hurried to appoint a single-member commission instead of taking a more comprehensive approach,” he said, stressing the emotional and political repercussions of the incident for the affected families and the broader public.

A two-minute silence was observed at the start of the council meeting in remembrance of the 41 stampede victims, reflecting the somber tone of the gathering. The issue of the stampede has remained central to the political narrative in Tamil Nadu, and TVK appears to be leveraging public dissatisfaction with the DMK’s handling of the tragedy to strengthen its electoral positioning.

TVK’s General Council Meeting: Key Resolutions and Strategy

During the council session, the TVK formally adopted 12 resolutions, reflecting the party’s organizational strategy and electoral ambitions for 2026. Among the resolutions, the most significant was the authorisation for Vijay to take decisions regarding alliances for the upcoming elections. Additionally, the party officially announced Vijay as its Chief Ministerial candidate, signaling a clear intent to challenge the DMK’s dominance in the state.

Vijay assured party members that the obstacles faced by TVK in its early political journey, including criticism over the Karur incident, were temporary. “When God and nature are standing with us in the form of people, who can stop us?” he asked, emphasizing both a spiritual and populist narrative aimed at consolidating voter support.

TVK Positions Itself as a Strong Alternative

Throughout his address, Vijay underscored the party’s positioning as a people-centered, accountable alternative to the DMK. By framing TVK as a direct challenger in the electoral landscape, he sought to establish the party as the primary option for voters disillusioned with the incumbent government. This narrative was reinforced by repeated critiques of the DMK’s governance, particularly in the context of the Karur stampede and perceived lapses in administrative accountability.

TVK’s strategy appears to hinge on a combination of charismatic leadership, grassroots mobilization, and critique of the ruling party’s missteps. By centralizing the electoral fight around a direct TVK-DMK contest, the party aims to simplify the voter choice, portraying itself as the clear alternative capable of addressing issues that the DMK allegedly mishandled.

Public and Political Reactions

Vijay’s announcement and the resolutions passed by the TVK have attracted attention from both political analysts and rival parties. Observers note that while TVK remains a relatively new entrant in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, the combination of Vijay’s celebrity status and focused campaign messaging could influence voter sentiment, particularly in regions directly affected by the Karur incident.

The DMK, on the other hand, faces renewed scrutiny over its response to the stampede and its governance record, as the TVK’s narrative seeks to position these issues at the forefront of the election campaign. Analysts suggest that TVK’s emphasis on public accountability and leadership could resonate with voters seeking change, particularly in urban and semi-urban constituencies where the Karur tragedy had a visible impact.

Looking Ahead: Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Electoral Battle

With the 2026 Assembly elections approaching, TVK’s strategy appears clear: establish itself as a credible challenger to DMK, capitalize on public discontent over administrative lapses, and present Vijay as a capable, charismatic, and people-focused leader. By formally announcing him as the Chief Ministerial candidate, TVK aims to create a strong narrative of leadership continuity and direct voter engagement.

The Karur stampede remains a key flashpoint in the political discourse, and Vijay’s focus on this tragedy signals the party’s commitment to positioning accountability, transparency, and public welfare at the center of its campaign. Analysts expect that the contest between TVK and DMK will dominate Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, potentially reshaping the dynamics of voter loyalty and party competition in the state.

In summary, actor-politician Vijay’s TVK has declared itself the primary challenger to the DMK in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leveraging both his public appeal and criticism of state government actions to consolidate voter support. The formalization of party resolutions, Vijay’s appointment as Chief Ministerial candidate, and the emphasis on accountability in the wake of the Karur tragedy are central to the party’s electoral strategy. As the political landscape evolves over the next year, TVK aims to make its mark as a strong, organized, and people-focused alternative, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest against the ruling DMK.