The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has fiercely criticized Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, accusing him of arrogance and using a challenge to the state government as a diversionary tactic following a deadly stampede that claimed 41 lives. In a scathing editorial in its mouthpiece 'Murasoli,' the DMK slammed Vijay for his alleged hunger for publicity, money, and power, asserting that his cinematic tactics have no place in real-life tragedies.

The controversy stems from a video message Vijay released on September 30, 2025, where he dared the government to "do anything to him" for the stampede but urged them to spare his party members. The DMK claims this was a calculated move to shift focus from the deaths. The editorial accused Vijay of failing to show remorse, noting that he neither offered condolences nor met with the victims' families, describing his video as a "cinematic stunt" devoid of genuine empathy.

'Murasoli' further criticized Vijay for announcing a Rs 20 lakh solatium for victims’ families only after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin disbursed Rs 10 lakh per family. The DMK alleged that Vijay’s announcement was reluctant and motivated by pressure, claiming he has yet to deliver the promised funds. "If the CM had announced Rs 1 lakh, Vijay would’ve offered just Rs 2 lakh," the editorial quipped, questioning his sincerity.

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The DMK also raised concerns about Vijay’s decision to advance his Karur visit to September 27, 2025, from the original December 13 date, demanding an explanation for the "conspiracy" behind the change. The party contrasted Vijay’s absence from the victims’ families with the Chief Minister’s prompt visit to Karur to console the affected and honor the deceased. The editorial accused Vijay of targeting the CM out of anger over public scrutiny of his absence.

Further, the DMK pointed out that Vijay arrived hours late to campaign events, causing exhaustion and fainting among waiting supporters due to inadequate arrangements for food and water. The party also noted that TVK’s second-tier leaders have gone into "hiding" amid the controversy. "The wails of sorrow from 41 families have not softened Vijay’s heart of stone," the editorial stated, branding him as "thick-skinned" for his lack of accountability or remorse.

The DMK concluded that Vijay’s acting, which they claim "failed long ago in cinema," will not succeed in masking his responsibility for the tragedy. The ruling party’s sharp rebuke underscores the growing political tensions in Tamil Nadu as Vijay’s TVK faces scrutiny for its handling of the stampede and its aftermath.

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