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5 controversies ‘Thalapathy’ Vijay faced on his way to becoming Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay
As Vijay is sworn in as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Sunday, looking back at 5 controversies that rocked his campaign for TVK.
What's a success story without a hero struggling to find his place in society? Isn't that what countless Kollywood movies have taught us? 51-year-old Vijay had a thriving career in cinema and was even fondly, and perhaps fittingly, called ‘Thalapathy’ (leader/commander) for years before he announced his political entry. And yet, as he said numerous times during his campaign, he left behind a world of luxury; it was not without hurdles. Five controversies that he faced on his way to becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
The Karur stampede that left 41 dead
It was all hunky dory for Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), till a fateful day on September 27, 2025. A stampede during one of his rallies in Karur left 41 dead and around 100 people injured. Vijay faced criticism for not issuing a statement immediately and for returning to Chennai. He broke his silence on September 30 when he said in a video that he was “writhing in unbearable, indescribable pain and sorrow that words cannot express.” On October 27, he met the families of the victims in Mamallapuram.
Divorce petition by Sangeeta Sornalingam
On February 27, news broke that Vijay’s wife of nearly three decades, Sangeeta Sornalingam, had filed for divorce. ANI reported: “Actor & TVK chief Vijay’s wife, Sangeetha, has filed a petition for divorce in the Chengalpattu family court. In her petition, Sangeetha has accused Vijay of having an extramarital relationship (with an actress) and has sought divorce on those grounds.” The petition claimed that in 2021, Sangeetha found that Vijay “was involved in an adulterous relationship with an actress.” She also claimed that he assured her that the relationship would end.
Alleged relationship with Trisha Krishnan
On March 5, Vijay and Trisha Krishnan attended the wedding reception of producer Kalpathi S Suresh and Meenakshi Suresh's son. They went to the event at The Leela Palace, Chennai, together and wore matching cream-and-gold outfits. The stars worked together in Ghilli (2004), Thirupaachi (2005), Aathi (2006), Kuruvi (2008), and Leo (2023), but for a long time, fans had speculated that they were more than friends. On March 7, he spoke about speculation around his personal life and said, “I’ll take care of the problems. Don’t get hurt. Nothing to worry about.” Trisha attended his swearing-in ceremony.
Jana Nayagan delay and leak
Vijay’s final film, Jana Nayagan, was supposed to be released in theatres on January 9. On January 5, production house KVN Productions filed a petition in the Madras High Court regarding the delay in the CBFC certification. On January 12, they moved the Supreme Court but were sent back to the HC. However, they got no relief. On April 9, days before the TN elections, the unreleased film was leaked online in HD. Nine arrests were made following the Cyber Crime Wing's investigation. A freelance editor working on a different film is allegedly the main accused. The film is yet to be certified.
Political stand-off to secure a majority
Elections were held in TN on April 23, and the results were announced on May 4. Even as TVK won 108 of the 234 seats, it did not reach the magic 118 number. Till May 9, despite forming a post-election alliance with Congress and securing five more seats, Vijay met the TN governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar at least four times before he could show a majority with the help of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Communist Party of India (CPI), and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). Vijay was only sworn in as CM on May 10.
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