Police deny permission for Vijay's TVK public meeting in Erode, cite safety concerns

Erode: The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, has encountered a roadblock in its renewed campaign push ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Erode district police have denied permission for a major public meeting the party planned to hold in the Kongu region, citing safety and space constraints.

TVK, which recently resumed campaigning after a brief pause following the Karur incident, is currently preparing for a public meeting in Puducherry. As part of its strategy to gain a foothold in the traditionally AIADMK-strong Kongu belt, the party planned its next major rally in Erode. Former AIADMK senior leader and recent TVK convert, K.A. Sengottaiyan, submitted a petition to the District Collector seeking permission for a public meeting on December 16, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. 

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TVK's Erode Rally Hits Roadblock: Police Refuse Permission for Vijay's December 16 Public Meeting

The proposed venue was a 7-acre plot near Pavalathampalayam on Perundurai Road. The party had estimated a gathering of approximately 75,000 people. However, following an inspection by Superintendent of Police Sujatha, the police refused permission, stating that the specified location was inadequate and unsafe for a crowd of that size. The police have advised the party to select an alternative venue.

This denial poses a significant logistical challenge for TVK’s campaign strategy. The Erode meeting was seen as a crucial event, especially as it was scheduled after Sengottaiyan’s high-profile defection from the AIADMK. Party insiders believed his experience in organizing large rallies would ensure a smooth event and potentially attract further defections from other parties.

Sengottaiyan, who recently garlanded a portrait of Dr BR Ambedkar on his death anniversary, has publicly expressed strong faith in Vijay’s leadership. He called Vijay the "hero of the youth" and predicted that TVK would emerge as a ruling force in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile, when questioned by reporters about Sengottaiyan’s swift shift to TVK, former AIADMK leader VK Sasikala chose not to comment and departed without answering.

With the assembly elections just a few months away, the competition is heating up earlier than usual. TVK's ability to quickly secure an alternative venue and proceed with its Kongu belt outreach will be a key test of its organizational strength and momentum in the evolving political landscape.