Vijay’s Puducherry Roadshow Denied Approval Over Crowd Safety Concerns

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is at the center of a political controversy surrounding his planned December 5 roadshow in Puducherry. The Puducherry Police have denied permission for the roadshow, citing concerns that the narrow roads in the Union Territory cannot safely accommodate the large crowds that Vijay typically draws. Instead, authorities have advised TVK to opt for a traditional public meeting in an open ground where crowd management and safety protocols can be better enforced. This decision followed a high-level meeting including the Puducherry Chief Minister, reflecting serious precautionary measures after recent political rally incidents.

TVK had chosen Puducherry to hold the event after facing restrictions on large gatherings in Tamil Nadu, particularly following the tragic stampede at a TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, in October that claimed 41 lives. The Karur incident is under Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) scrutiny after Supreme Court intervention, and Tamil Nadu Police had earlier blamed TVK for inadequate crowd management, a claim the party denies. The Puducherry roadshow was seen as a strategic move by Vijay and his party to maintain their political momentum and engage directly with voters ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

TVK, established in early 2024 by Vijay, has rapidly grown into a significant political force with a strong grassroots network transforming Vijay’s extensive fan following into a political cadre. The party promotes ideologies centered on secular social justice, opposing both the BJP—referred to by Vijay as an ideological opponent—and the DMK, which TVK accuses of corruption and dynastic politics. Despite political aspirations, the party faces strict administrative scrutiny and public safety challenges when organizing public gatherings, as seen in recent restrictions imposed both in Tamil Nadu and now Puducherry.

Also Read: Red Alert in Cauvery Delta as Cyclone Ditwah Nears Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, South Andhra Pradesh

While TVK leaders such as Bussy Anand and Aadhav Arjuna had been mobilizing for the Puducherry event, the police's refusal to grant roadshow permission puts the party's plan in limbo. The authorities maintain that a stationary public meeting is easier to oversee and regulate, reducing risks associated with crowd surges on narrow roads. This cautious approach reflects wider concerns around ensuring the safety of attendees, especially in the aftermath of the Karur tragedy.

The evolving situation underscores challenges for TVK in balancing mass political mobilization with regulatory requirements and public safety concerns. Whether Vijay will accommodate the police suggestion or seek to negotiate further permissions remains to be seen, but the denial highlights the complex dynamics of emerging political parties navigating established governance frameworks and heightened safety expectations in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry alike.​

Also Read: IMD Warns Tamil Nadu, Puducherry of Intense Heavy Rainfall as Red Alert Issued