Man dies of suspected heart attack at TVK rally in Salem amid tight security

Salem (Tamil Nadu): A 37-year-old man from Maharashtra died after reportedly suffering a heart attack during Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Salem, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.

The deceased, Suraj, was residing in the Sevvaipettai area of Salem, where he was engaged in silver-related labour work. He was married and leaves behind his wife and child. Witnesses said he collapsed suddenly while attending the meeting, which had been organised for party administrators. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival. Police have launched further inquiries into the incident.

The tragedy comes months after a stampede at Vijay’s rally in Karur claimed 40 lives, prompting heightened security measures at Friday’s event. Police restricted attendance to 4,998 individuals, with entry permitted only through QR code-embedded passes. Identity cards were strictly verified, and heavy deployment, vehicle checks, and traffic diversions were enforced to prevent overcrowding.

Vijay’s accusations against DMK

Addressing supporters at Seelanaickenpatti, Vijay accused the MK Stalin-led government of denying TVK permission to hold rallies while granting approval to other parties. “They grant permission and provide space for other parties to hold conferences, public meetings, or hall functions. But for us alone, they won’t give space, nor will they allow it to be given,” he said. He added, “They talk about SOPs. Its full form is Standard Operating Procedure. But for me, it seems to mean Stalin-oh sorry, Stalin Sir Operating Procedure.”

Vijay urged voters to accept financial benefits offered by rival parties but to reject them at the ballot box. “People will come and give you thousands of rupees. Please get that money because it’s your money. But after receiving the money, blow the whistle in their ears and give them a send-off,” he told the crowd, referring to TVK’s election symbol.

He also led supporters in a pledge, stating, “My vote is my right. No one can buy us. Our vote is for whistle.” Responding to critics of his political experience, Vijay said, “Other than scamming experience, what other qualities do the people who question my experience have? We don’t have experience, yes. We don’t have experience in looting.”

The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are scheduled for the first half of 2026. In the 2021 polls, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured 159 seats, while the NDA won 75.

ANI