TVK Conference Controversy: Who Was Really Thrown by Vijay’s Bouncer?

A fresh controversy has erupted following the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) state conference held on August 21, 2025, in Parapatti, Madurai district, where a young man was allegedly thrown off a ramp by security personnel during actor-politician Vijay’s appearance. Initially, Sarathkumar from Periyammapalayam, Perambalur district, claimed he was the individual manhandled by Vijay’s bouncers, filing a complaint with the police and sparking widespread criticism. However, a new twist has emerged as a youth named Ajay from Thiruvennainallur, Villupuram district, now claims he was the person thrown, accusing Sarathkumar of fabricating the story to tarnish Vijay’s reputation. This conflicting narrative has intensified the debate, raising questions about the identity of the real victim and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has drawn significant attention, with political opponents and the public scrutinizing Vijay’s conduct as he transitions from a celebrated actor to a political leader. The controversy has fueled discussions about crowd management at political rallies and the responsibilities of public figures like Vijay, the TVK chief, in ensuring supporter safety. This article delves into the details of the incident, the conflicting claims, the legal repercussions, and the broader implications for TVK’s political journey.

What Happened at the TVK Conference?

The second state conference of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), held on August 21, 2025, in Parapatti, Madurai, was a grand affair, drawing over 1.5 lakh supporters eager to see Vijay, the party’s founder and chief ministerial candidate for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The event featured cultural performances, flag hoisting, and a 300-meter ramp walk by Vijay, designed to allow him to connect with the massive crowd. However, the event took a controversial turn when a young man attempting to climb the ramp was forcefully pushed off by one of Vijay’s bouncers, an incident captured on video that quickly went viral.

The video shows the individual clinging to a railing before being dislodged by security, sliding down the ramp, and reportedly sustaining injuries. This sparked outrage, with many criticizing the heavy-handed response of Vijay’s security team. The incident occurred amidst a frenzied crowd, with fans and party workers rushing to catch a glimpse of Vijay, highlighting the challenges of managing large gatherings at political events. The controversy has since escalated with conflicting claims about the identity of the person involved, drawing further scrutiny to TVK’s organizational capabilities.

Sarathkumar’s Claim and Legal Action

Initially, Sarathkumar, a 24-year-old from Periyammapalayam in Perambalur district, claimed he was the victim of the bouncer’s actions. Supported by his mother, Santosham, Sarathkumar alleged that he sustained chest injuries after being pushed off the ramp while attempting to approach Vijay. On August 26, 2025, he lodged a complaint with the Perambalur District Superintendent of Police, leading to the Kunnam police registering a case against Vijay and 10 others, including his security personnel, under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for voluntarily causing hurt and uttering obscene words in public.

Sarathkumar’s complaint gained traction when he and his mother appeared in a video, asserting that he was the individual thrown by the bouncers. He later released another video, claiming he made the initial statement to prevent trouble for others, but maintained that he was indeed the victim. This back-and-forth narrative raised suspicions, particularly among TVK supporters, who questioned the authenticity of his claims. The legal action has put Vijay, a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, under scrutiny, with critics arguing that his security team’s actions reflect poorly on his leadership.

Ajay’s Counter-Claim: A New Twist

The controversy took a dramatic turn when Ajay, a youth from Thiruvennainallur in Villupuram district, came forward, claiming he was the actual person thrown by Vijay’s bouncers. Ajay accused Sarathkumar of lying to defame Vijay and the TVK, asserting that the video evidence clearly shows him, not Sarathkumar, as the individual pushed off the ramp. His claim has added a layer of complexity to the incident, raising questions about the motives behind Sarathkumar’s complaint and whether external influences prompted the false narrative.

Ajay’s statement aligns with remarks from Sivakumar, the Perambalur district secretary of TVK, who defended Vijay’s security team, arguing that Sarathkumar did not attend the conference and that his complaint was fabricated. Sivakumar suggested that someone may have instigated Sarathkumar to file the complaint, possibly to undermine Vijay’s growing political influence. This conflicting testimony has fueled speculation about political motivations, with some suggesting that rival parties may be exploiting the incident to tarnish TVK’s image ahead of the 2026 elections.

Political Reactions and Criticism

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political figures, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tamilisai Soundararajan, a senior BJP leader and former Governor, condemned Vijay’s conduct, stating, “It is very unfortunate. If he has chosen politics, he should carry himself like a politician, not as a cinema actor. Respect between leader and cadre must be upheld.” Similarly, BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam remarked that the incident reflects Vijay’s disregard for his supporters, suggesting it reveals his true nature as a leader. These criticisms highlight the challenges Vijay faces in transitioning from a beloved film star to a credible political figure.

The controversy has also sparked broader discussions about the treatment of supporters at political rallies. Vijay’s mass appeal, built on his cinematic stardom, draws massive crowds, but incidents like this raise concerns about crowd control and safety measures. The TVK conference, billed as one of the largest political gatherings in Tamil Nadu, saw chaotic scenes as fans breached security to approach Vijay, with some hanging dangerously off railings to get his attention. These incidents underscore the need for robust security protocols to prevent such mishaps in the future.

Legal and Investigative Developments

The Kunnam police have initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on the video evidence and the conflicting claims. The case against Vijay and his security team includes charges under BNS sections for causing hurt and public misconduct, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations. However, Ajay’s counter-claim has complicated the investigation, prompting authorities to verify the identity of the individual in the video. The police are likely to review additional footage and interview witnesses to establish the facts, with the outcome potentially impacting Vijay’s public image and TVK’s political momentum.

TVK functionaries, including Sivakumar, have defended the bouncers’ actions, arguing that they were necessary to ensure Vijay’s safety amidst an unruly crowd. The massive turnout, estimated at over 1.5 lakh, created significant security challenges, with fans and cadres attempting to breach the ramp. The party has emphasized that the incident was a safety measure rather than an act of aggression, but public perception remains divided, with social media amplifying both support for and criticism of Vijay.

Implications for Vijay and TVK

The controversy comes at a critical juncture for Vijay, who launched TVK in February 2024 and has positioned himself as a formidable contender in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. At the Madurai conference, Vijay declared the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) as his primary rival and the BJP as TVK’s “only ideological enemy,” signaling an aggressive political stance. The incident, however, risks overshadowing his political messaging, with critics questioning his ability to manage large gatherings and maintain cadre discipline.

Vijay’s transition from cinema to politics has been marked by immense public support, but incidents like this highlight the challenges of managing his star power in a political context. The TVK has emphasized its commitment to inclusivity, with Vijay promising to prioritize the safety of women, the elderly, and marginalized groups. However, the bouncer incident has led to accusations that his approach treats supporters more like fans than political cadres, potentially alienating some voters. Addressing these concerns will be crucial for Vijay as he builds TVK’s credibility ahead of the 2026 elections.

Public and Social Media Reactions

Social media platforms have been abuzz with reactions to the incident, with hashtags related to Vijay and TVK trending widely. Supporters of Vijay argue that the bouncers acted in self-defense, protecting the leader from an overwhelming crowd. Others, however, have condemned the incident as evidence of arrogance, with some users questioning why Vijay did not intervene to calm the situation. The viral video has amplified these debates, with clips showing other fans dangerously hanging off railings or breaching security to reach Vijay, underscoring the chaotic atmosphere at the event.

The conflicting claims between Sarathkumar and Ajay have further polarized opinions, with some accusing political rivals of orchestrating the controversy to undermine TVK’s growing popularity. The incident has also reignited discussions about the cult of personality in Tamil Nadu politics, where film stars like Vijay wield immense influence but face challenges in translating that into effective political leadership. As the investigation unfolds, public sentiment will likely play a significant role in shaping TVK’s image.

Broader Context: Safety at Political Rallies

The TVK conference incident is not an isolated case, as large political rallies in Tamil Nadu often face crowd management challenges due to the state’s passionate political culture. The event was marred by other incidents, including the tragic death of a 33-year-old TVK worker, Prabhakaran, who collapsed en route to the rally, and another supporter’s death due to electrocution near Srivilliputtur. These tragedies highlight the need for enhanced safety measures, including better crowd control, medical facilities, and coordination with local authorities.

For TVK, the controversy serves as a learning opportunity as it prepares for future events. Implementing stricter security protocols, improving communication with supporters, and ensuring adequate crowd management systems could prevent similar incidents. Vijay’s team may also need to address the public directly, clarifying the incident and outlining steps to ensure supporter safety, to rebuild trust and maintain momentum in the lead-up to the 2026 elections.