In election-bound TN, NDA faces TVK dilemma

NEW DELHI: The stampede in Tamil Nadu’s Karur last week, which left 41 dead, has given the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) an opening to expand its outreach in the poll-bound state where it lacks a strong presence, but, also set off speculation that it could possibly reset ties between the party and other political outtits, particularly actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), according to people familiar with the matter.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

The state will go to the polls in 2026 and Vijay's TVK is attempting to emerge as an alternative to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMRK), the two dominant political forces in the state. ‘The latter is part of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

The stampede occurred during Vijay's rally on September 27 and the BJP, which renewed its alliance with the AIADMK in April, has blamed the DMK-state government for the tragedy. Party leaders have also been restrained in blaming the actor, giving rise to speculation that the BJP may be keen to have the TVK in the NDA.