Salem (Tamil Nadu), Feb 13 (NationPress) A man tragically collapsed and passed away due to a suspected heart attack during a Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) political gathering in Tamil Nadu's Salem on Friday, overshadowing party leader Vijay's first significant public appearance in nearly two months.

The individual, identified as Siraj, 37, was a migrant worker from North India and reportedly had a medical history involving heart issues, having undergone surgery approximately a year ago.

As per police reports, he fainted while standing in a packed venue at KVP Garden near Sheelanayakkanpatti. He was quickly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The Salem police have initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, although preliminary findings point to natural causes.

This unfortunate event transpired while actor-turned-politician Vijay addressed party officials and supporters, marking his return to the public eye 55 days post the Erode meeting.

Notwithstanding the tragic occurrence, the event proceeded with increased security and medical measures in place.

During his address, Vijay emphasized that he was not there to solicit votes but to advocate for justice for the people of Tamil Nadu. He criticized the ruling DMK for attempting to stifle his party's expansion by denying venues for their gatherings while permitting other political groups to operate without hindrance.

"In English, they refer to it as SOP — Standard Operating Procedure. However, here, Stalin himself has become the operating procedure," Vijay stated, eliciting applause from the audience.

He urged voters to remain resilient against money politics.

"If they offer you money, accept it — it’s your money. But when it’s time to vote, select the whistle symbol," he remarked, referring to the election symbol of his TVK.

In response to critics who doubted his administrative capabilities, Vijay argued that seasoned politicians have "experience only in misappropriating public funds".

He challenged established political parties to initiate a movement from the ground up and achieve even one percent of the vote. "In just two years, we have emerged as a significant force with nearly 30 percent backing," he asserted.

Recalling great leaders such as C.N. Annadurai, M.G. Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa, Vijay pointed out that every major political force once began without prior experience.

"Integrity and a genuine affection for the populace are sufficient," he concluded.

Furthermore, he claimed that voters are now demanding a "100 percent clean government" and emphasized that the upcoming election would be a struggle against anti-people governance rather than a contest of personalities.