Vijay draws massive crowd at Erode TVK meet, signals political shift ahead of 2026 polls

Actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay addressed a TVK public meeting near Erode on Thursday, drawing massive crowds despite the imposition of 84 strict police conditions aimed at preventing a repeat of the Karur incident. In a sharp political pitch, Vijay described the ruling DMK as an “evil force” and projected Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a “pure force” committed to unity and clean politics. The event was wrapped up ahead of schedule to adhere to police timelines, with Vijay even pausing to take selfies with supporters before leaving the venue.

The scale of the turnout reinforced the perception that the popular actor continues to enjoy significant mass appeal as he transitions into full-time politics. Party supporters and observers alike huge crowds gathered like Erode meeting as a signal of an emerging political shift ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections , with TVK positioning itself as an alternative force seeking to tap into public disenchantment with established parties.

At the same time, the meeting also highlighted the heightened scrutiny surrounding Vijay’s political journey. While the elaborate security arrangements and disciplined conduct were widely noted, questions continue to be raised by critics over his handling of the Karur tragedy, which had earlier cast a shadow over TVK’s mobilisation efforts. Some have also pointed to his travel and campaign choices, arguing that symbolic gestures need to be matched with clearer responses to sensitive incidents.

Despite these lingering concerns, the Erode rally underlined Vijay’s ability to attract large crowds and keep public attention firmly focused on his fledgling party. As the 2026 elections draw closer, such displays of support are likely to intensify debates over whether TVK can translate star power and popular enthusiasm into sustained political momentum.