A tragic incident at a political rally organized by Tamil cinema superstar-turned-politician Vijay has left 40 people dead and sparked a heated blame game in Tamil Nadu, India. The event, held in Karur district on Saturday, drew tens of thousands of supporters. Chaos erupted during Vijay’s speech when the crowd surged unexpectedly, leading to a fatal crush. Opposition parties have accused government officials of inadequate police deployment, while police claim the organizers underestimated the crowd size and failed to implement sufficient safety measures. Vijay, 51, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most beloved actors, with a career spanning decades and numerous box-office hits. Last year, he launched his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), marking a surprising shift from cinema to politics. His decision to quit acting after his upcoming film, Jana Nayagan, has further fueled public interest in his political ambitions. The tragedy has raised questions about his political inexperience and the viability of celebrity-led parties in India. Vijay has expressed his devastation over the incident and announced financial compensation for the victims’ families. A one-member commission has been established to investigate the cause of the crush, with the state government promising action within two months. Meanwhile, TVK has sought a federal investigation through the Madras High Court. The incident has cast a shadow over Vijay’s political aspirations, with critics questioning his leadership and the safety protocols at his rallies. Despite the backlash, his immense popularity may shield him from significant political fallout.