Police official V. Selvaraj stated that “thirty-one people died with more than 50 people now hospitalised” after the tragedy struck at the large gathering.

Thousands of supporters had assembled at the rally, which was part of Vijay’s ongoing state-wide tour for his newly formed party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Vijay, one of Tamil cinema’s biggest stars known by his single name, entered politics last year. He recently launched his campaign ahead of Tamil Nadu state elections scheduled for early next year.

The sudden loss of lives has cast a dark shadow over his political journey and left the state in shock.

The incident shows how massive political rallies in India can sometimes turn deadly when crowd control fails. For Vijay, who only recently entered politics, this tragedy could deeply affect both his campaign and public perception. The focus will now be on safety measures in future rallies to prevent another disaster.

State lawmaker Senthil Balaji told reporters that 58 people were hospitalised after what he said was a stampede. He added that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin will visit the area on Sunday.

"The unfortunate incident during a political rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, is deeply saddening," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

Calls to Tamil Nadu state s health ministry and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin s office went unanswered.

"The news coming from Karur is worrying," Stalin said in an X post, adding that he had directed ministers and officials to provide urgent medical aid to those who collapsed at the Karur rally and ordered additional assistance from nearby Tiruchirappalli.

At least 44 doctors from the nearby districts of Tiruchirappalli and Salem were sent to Karur, media reports said.