Vijay's Political Ascent: Why the DMK is Walking on Eggshells After the Karur Tragedy

The tragic death of B Harikrishnan, a fervent fan of actor Vijay, from electrocution while erecting a banner for a birthday celebration in Karur, has cast a somber shadow over Tamil Nadu's political landscape. This devastating incident has not only highlighted the risks associated with such fervent fan activities but has also inadvertently pushed the burgeoning political aspirations of 'Thalapathy' Vijay into the harsh glare of public scrutiny.

While the DMK government, through Chief Minister M K Stalin, extended condolences, the broader political reaction from the ruling party has been notably muted, a strategic silence that speaks volumes about their cautious approach towards the popular actor.

Vijay’s political ambitions are hardly a secret; they have been brewing for well over a decade, subtly manifesting through his fan clubs, the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), which has evolved into a formidable grassroots organization.

From undertaking extensive relief work during the COVID-19 pandemic to offering legal aid and distributing essentials, VMI has been meticulously building a presence far beyond mere fan adulation. More recently, Vijay has taken direct steps to cultivate a political image, exemplified by his public felicitation of Class 10 and 12 toppers, where he not only distributed cash prizes but also explicitly urged students to delve into the writings of Dr.

B R Ambedkar, Periyar, and Kamaraj—a clear signal of his ideological leanings and a direct appeal to a young, educated demographic.

The DMK, a party with a deep historical memory, is acutely aware of the seismic shifts that can occur when charismatic actors transition into politics in Tamil Nadu.

The legacies of M G Ramachandran (MGR) and J Jayalalithaa, who leveraged their cinematic appeal to dismantle and challenge the dominant Dravidian parties, loom large. Both transformed their colossal fan bases into powerful political machines, forever altering the state's electoral dynamics. The DMK's caution stems from a legitimate fear: could Vijay, with his unparalleled popularity and a dedicated fan following, replicate this phenomenon and emerge as a significant third force, potentially chipping away at their vote share in the crucial 2026 Assembly elections?

For now, the DMK’s strategy is one of careful observation and measured distance.

While they refrain from directly endorsing Vijay's political entry, they are equally careful not to alienate his massive fan base. The ruling party understands that a significant portion of these fans could either be swayed to their side or, at the very least, disrupt the opposition's vote bank, particularly if Vijay were to contest independently or align with another party.

This delicate balancing act involves downplaying his political threat in public statements while privately acknowledging the potential for a disruptive force.

Vijay’s political activities, including his slogan 'Naalai Namathe' (Tomorrow is ours) and the 'Uzhavan Kanda Tamilnadu' (Farmer's Tamil Nadu) event, are clear indicators of his intentions.

He has been reportedly meeting with senior VMI leaders, strategizing and consolidating his support base. Political analysts are unanimous: Vijay cannot be ignored. His potential to draw votes, especially from the youth and first-time voters, could be a game-changer. The DMK's cautious stance is not born out of complacency but from a shrewd assessment of the evolving political landscape.

They are treading carefully, hoping to manage the rise of 'Thalapathy' without creating another MGR or Jayalalithaa that could challenge their supremacy. The coming years will reveal whether this calculated approach will successfully navigate the complexities of star power in Tamil Nadu politics.