Chennai: Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will hold its first public meeting on Tuesday at the Uppalam port complex here, under stringent police restrictions imposed in the wake of September’s fatal accident in Karur. The party’s campaign, which began in Trichy last September, was suspended after 41 people died in a traffic accident during a rally convoy in Karur on September 27.
With the upcoming Tamil Nadu and Puducherry assembly elections prompting all political parties to intensify their campaigns, TVK’s relaunch of public outreach comes with unprecedented safety measures. The Puducherry police have mandated a series of strict conditions for the event, which is now being prepared at the port complex with workers draining water, filling soil, and even demolishing a perimeter wall to create an additional entrance.
TVK restarts public outreach: First rally Since Karur under stringent Puducherry rules
The police have imposed a capped attendance, limiting the gathering to just 5,000 people, a fraction of the crowd typical for such political events. Admission will be granted exclusively to individuals possessing a QR-coded pass issued by TVK organizers, with general public entry completely restricted. The usual stage and seating arrangements for volunteers will not be provided, and specific advisories have been issued asking children, pregnant women, and elderly individuals not to attend the rally. Furthermore, the event is reserved for Puducherry residents; people from neighboring Tamil Nadu districts will not be permitted entry.
For logistics, parking has been arranged at three designated locations: Pondy Marina, the area behind the ground, and the old port zone. Organizers are responsible for providing essential facilities, including drinking water, toilets, and an ambulance on standby.
Vijay’s campaign vehicle is scheduled to arrive in Puducherry on Monday night. He is expected to reach the Uppalam port complex at 11:00 AM on Tuesday. Gates will open for QR-coded attendees only between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM, with Vijay slated to address the gathering at 12:00 noon.
Police have also issued explicit instructions to TVK volunteers to ensure order. They must not follow Vijay’s convoy, are prohibited from climbing trees, perimeter walls, or vehicles to view the event, and should not follow Vijay’s vehicle on two-wheelers or any other vehicles after the rally.