An Indian superstar-turned-politician is at the centre of a massive row after 40 people died in a crush at his party's rally on Saturday. Tens of thousands of people turned up at the campaign event held by Vijay in Karur district in Tamil Nadu state. The actor was in the middle of his speech when the crowd surged suddenly. The tragedy has sparked a blame game, with the opposition accusing government officials of not deploying enough police personnel to control crowds. Police authorities stated that the rally's organizers, who are part of Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, underestimated the expected crowd and did not take necessary precautions.

Vijay, 51, is one of the most popular actors in Tamil Nadu, with a long-standing career that has seen him rise to prominence in both cinema and politics. Despite having a dedicated fan base, this tragedy has thrown a shadow over his political aspirations, raising serious questions about his management of crowd safety.

Speculations surrounding Vijay's entrance into politics have been ongoing for years, especially following substantial success during the local elections by his fan club. His decision to focus solely on politics took fans by surprise, marking a significant career transition. However, this latest incident could potentially mar his reputation as he navigates a politically volatile landscape.

Officials are divided on the blame, with accusations flying back and forth about the adequacy of the measures in place to ensure safety during such large gatherings. In the wake of the tragedy, a commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the crush, with promises of accountability resting heavily on Vijay’s shoulders. Moving forward, the resilience of his political ambitions now stands at a crossroads, awaiting the outcomes of the investigation.