In his first major public appearance since the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives in September, actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay delivered a blistering assault on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam during a tightly secured rally in Puducherry on Tuesday, declaring that the DMK regime would only learn its lesson after being voted out in the 2026 elections.

Addressing thousands of supporters at the heavily policed event – where a man carrying a licensed revolver was detained – the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president contrasted the “impartial and efficient” security arrangements provided by the N Rangasamy-led Puducherry government with what he described as the DMK’s failure in Tamil Nadu. “It will be good if the Tamil Nadu DMK regime learns from Puducherry’s impartial administration. But they will not learn now – they will 100 per cent learn their lesson only in the election,” Vijay thundered, reigniting the bitter war of words over the Karur tragedy.

The rally, originally denied permission for a roadshow due to narrow streets, was allowed only after strict conditions including a 5,000-person cap enforced through QR-coded entry passes and the deployment of 800 police personnel. Vijay used the platform to position his fledgling party as the principal challenger to the DMK, categorically ruling out any pre-poll alliance and declaring the Dravida party his “political enemy” while continuing to withhold similar criticism of the AIADMK, fueling speculation of possible post-poll understanding.

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Reaffirming TVK’s solo electoral battle across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in 2026, Vijay announced the induction of heavyweight former AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan to bolster organisational strength, while simultaneously pitching full statehood for Puducherry as essential for transforming the Union Territory into a leading industrial hub and promising streamlined public distribution and protection for local fishermen frequently arrested in Sri Lankan waters.

Ending on a note of unwavering commitment, the superstar vowed eternal solidarity with the people of Puducherry, declaring, “The flag of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam will surely fly high here in the coming elections,” as the crowd roared in approval, signalling the formal launch of a fierce three-way battle involving the DMK, the BJP-AIADMK combine, and Vijay’s rapidly growing political outfit.

Also Read: Vijay Makes First Public Appearance Since Karur Tragedy, Launches TVK Vision