Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder and celebrated actor-politician Vijay received a thunderous welcome in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, as thousands of enthusiastic supporters and party workers turned out to kick off his campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The massive turnout, however, threw the city into disarray, with traffic disruptions and safety concerns dominating the day.
Vijay, arriving by chartered flight from Chennai, was greeted at Tiruchirappalli airport by a sea of TVK workers waving party flags and donning headgear adorned with the party’s emblem. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as supporters broke through barricades to catch a glimpse of their leader, slowing his campaign vehicle to a crawl. Women and men alike surged forward, some climbing trees, poles, and flyover edges to get a better view, while others displayed Vijay’s photographs and chanted slogans like “Tiruppumunaye (Turning Point), Muthalvarey (Chief Minister).”
The chaotic scenes disrupted normal life in the city, with traffic diversions causing significant inconvenience. Vijay’s vehicle, swarmed by supporters, took nearly four hours to cover the 6-km distance from the airport to the rally venue at Marakkadai’s MGR statue point, far exceeding the scheduled 10:35 AM start time. The delay frustrated some, and reports emerged of several fatigued supporters fainting at the venue, requiring hospital treatment.
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Cultural troupes in vibrant dark yellow attire performed traditional songs, and TVK women workers welcomed Vijay with ‘Poornakumham’ (ceremonial pots), adding to the festive atmosphere. Vijay, engaging with the crowd from his vehicle, gifted white shirts and sunglasses to fans, further fueling their enthusiasm. However, the sheer volume of supporters raised fears of a stampede at several points, prompting police to enforce over 20 conditions to manage the rally, the first major campaign event since Vijay founded TVK.
The overwhelming response underscores Vijay’s star power and political potential, but it also highlighted logistical challenges for TVK’s nascent campaign. Supporters from nearby areas, including Manapparai, had gathered early, eager to hear Vijay’s address, which was delayed but met with undiminished fervor. The event showcased both the actor’s ability to mobilize masses and the organizational hurdles his party faces as it gears up for the 2026 elections.
As Vijay’s vehicle inched through the city, resembling a grand procession, the turnout signaled his growing influence in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Yet, the disruptions sparked criticism from locals inconvenienced by the chaos, raising questions about how TVK will balance its leader’s popularity with disciplined campaign management moving forward.
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