The political journey of Tamil superstar and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay has hit a critical and turbulent phase. A strategic move intended to shield him from state scrutiny has seemingly backfired, placing him directly in the crosshairs of a central agency investigation. This development coincides with the unexpected stalling of his highly anticipated film, creating a dual-front challenge for the actor-politician.
The Stampede and a Fateful Decision
The sequence of events traces back to September 2025, when a tragic stampede at Vijay's rally in Karur claimed 41 lives. In the aftermath, the M K Stalin-led DMK government in Tamil Nadu exhibited notable restraint. The state police did not name Vijay in the First Information Report (FIR), arrested none of his senior aides, and avoided actions that could be perceived as political retaliation.
Behind the scenes, emissaries reportedly conveyed assurances to Vijay that the state police would not pursue him. However, distrust prevailed within his inner circle. Driven by fear of an imminent crackdown and influenced heavily by his campaign strategist, Aadhav Arjuna, Vijay opted to seek a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The aim was to move the investigation beyond the perceived reach of the state government.
This gambit found legal backing when the Supreme Court, on October 13, 2025, ordered a CBI inquiry, stating the tragedy had "shaken the national conscience." The court expressed concerns about the state police investigating its own actions.
The Summons and a Strategy Unraveling
The CBI has since questioned over 200 individuals, including victims' families, officials, and TVK organizers. While senior party functionaries were grilled extensively, Vijay himself remained absent—until now. The agency has summoned him to appear in New Delhi on January 12, 2026.
Insiders within TVK now view this as the direct and adverse consequence of his own demand. "He was told it was meant to protect him. Instead, it has brought the door to Delhi wide open," a party leader conceded. The summons is seen as pulling Vijay into the orbit of the BJP-led Centre's influence at a sensitive time, ahead of potential political realignments.
Ironically, Aadhav Arjuna, who initially pushed for the CBI probe, is now advising Vijay to ignore the summons and demand questioning in Chennai instead—a move seasoned politicians warn could deepen the legal trouble.
A Parallel Hurdle: The Stalled Film Release
Compounding Vijay's woes is the status of his upcoming movie, 'Jana Nayagan', scheduled for release on January 9, 2026. The film has not received its final censor certificate. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) referred it to a revising committee despite the examining committee reportedly recommending a U/A certificate after modifications.
The film's producers have challenged this move in the Madras High Court, arguing the referral is based on vague, anonymous complaints about religious sentiments and portrayal of the Armed Forces. Senior counsel warned this sets a "dangerous precedent" for motivated obstruction. The timing of this cinematic hurdle alongside the CBI summons has raised eyebrows in Vijay's camp, suggesting a coordinated pressure tactic.
Political Crossroads and Future Implications
The situation places Vijay at a precarious political crossroads. Associates draw parallels with leaders like Anbumani Ramadoss and T T V Dhinakaran, who, after facing CBI cases, found their political options constrained. There is palpable fear that once entangled with the central agency, exiting its purview becomes difficult.
TVK insiders acknowledge the party now faces a stark choice: confront the BJP directly or align with it against the common DMK foe. The latter, many fear, would destroy Vijay's carefully crafted political identity as an alternative force.
For now, Vijay's legal team is formulating a response to the CBI summons. The investigation, monitored by a committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, seeks his statement on permissions, safety protocols, and command structure for the fatal rally. How Vijay navigates this twin challenge—the legal probe from Delhi and the cinematic blockade—will undoubtedly define the most crucial chapter yet in his political career.
