Police said the victim, Suraj, a resident of Maharashtra, collapsed after complaining of chest pain at the rally venue. He was rushed toward a hospital but died en route. Officials noted he had previously undergone angioplasty. A case has been registered and an investigation is underway to determine the precise cause of death and whether medical or logistical lapses contributed to the incident.
The rally was organised by Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, as part of its outreach efforts ahead of state elections. The incident revived concerns over crowd safety at large political gatherings. Last September, a stampede at another rally associated with the actor in Karur resulted in dozens of fatalities and injuries, prompting calls for stricter crowd-management protocols.
Meanwhile, in a separate announcement, Stalin confirmed that his government had credited ₹5,000 into the bank accounts of 1.31 crore women under the Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai scheme. According to officials, ₹3,000 covered instalments for February through April, while an additional ₹2,000 was provided as a special summer package. The transfers were made in advance to ensure beneficiaries faced no financial disruption.
Stalin also said that if his party, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, returns to power in the upcoming Assembly elections, the current monthly assistance of ₹1,000 for women would be doubled. The state’s 234-seat Assembly is expected to go to polls in the first half of the year, making welfare measures a central campaign issue.
The announcement drew criticism from senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, who alleged the timing was politically motivated. The opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has countered with its own promises, including higher pensions, student loan waivers, and free cooking gas cylinders for ration card holders.
Similar direct-benefit schemes for women have been introduced in several states, reflecting a broader political trend of targeted welfare initiatives aimed at strengthening household income and voter outreach. Analysts say such programmes are likely to shape campaign narratives in the run-up to the polls, alongside debates on governance, public safety, and economic priorities.
.jpg)
