TVK holds key council meet; Vijay to speak publicly for first time since Karur tragedy

Chennai: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is convening its General Council meeting on Wednesday at a luxury hotel in Mamallapuram, where party president and actor Vijay is expected to break his silence following the Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives.

The meeting, attended by nearly 2,000 delegates, will finalise TVK’s organisational and electoral strategy ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. It marks a pivotal moment for the party, which has faced intense scrutiny over crowd safety following the Karur incident during a public rally.

Vijay, who initially refrained from public comment, later issued a video message expressing deep sorrow and personally met bereaved families, offering ₹20 lakh in compensation to each. Since then, he has avoided public appearances, focusing on internal restructuring.

In a major overhaul, TVK appointed a 28-member executive committee to manage daily operations, with senior leader Bussy Anand named General Secretary. Party sources say the move is part of a broader effort to professionalise TVK and prepare for its first electoral challenge.

The General Council will deliberate on key resolutions covering political strategy, constituency mobilisation, and grassroots expansion. Vijay is expected to deliver a defining speech outlining the party’s vision and future direction, a moment insiders describe as a “turning point” for TVK.

Strict entry protocols are in place, with access limited to members carrying official invitations and ID cards. Vijay’s address will be live-streamed, followed by a grand lunch for attendees.

For TVK, the meeting serves as both a moment of reflection and a renewed assertion of purpose in the wake of the Karur tragedy.

(Inputs from IANS)