13 September,2025 06:27 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vijay TVK rally in Tiruchirapalli
Tamil actor and Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay recently launched his first-ever election campaign in Tiruchirappalli on Saturday, September 13. The campaign drew in thousands of fans and enthusiastic supporters who turned up to watch the actor-turned-politician and attend the rally. While the first-ever campaign marked a milestone for Vijay, the event was overshadowed by crowds as fans surpassed safety instructions and created disruptions across the city.
Vijay arrived by flight from Chennai and was greeted by a massive crowd of fans at the Tiruchi airport. However, the situation turned tense when several supporters tried to breach barricades, which led to the police being forced to intervene. Many supporters managed to push through the security cordons, which lead to commotion.
According to a report in One India Tamil, Vijay's campaign vehicle was surrounded by supporters right from the airport along the route. Fans were seen waving party flags, beating drums, and cheering for the leader. However, many crossed safety limits by climbing poles, walls, trees, and even statue enclosures just to get a better view of the actor. Meanwhile, others dangerously trailed his campaign vehicle, despite repeated advisories.
Notably, TVK had issued strict guidelines ahead of the campaign and urged party workers not to follow Vijay's vehicle on two-wheelers or other transport modes. They were also advised not to climb buildings, poles, or barricades. The party had requested discipline, asking supporters to maintain dignity and assist in upholding law and order. Nevertheless, many violated these instructions, which resulted in severe traffic congestion and a delay in Vijay's address at the Marakkadai area, where huge number of crowds had already gathered in anticipation.
This marked Vijay's first direct engagement with the public after launching TVK, and holding two state-level conferences earlier this year. The campaign started with a public rally in Ariyalur, where Vijay addressed supporters after travelling from Tiruchirapalli.
According to media reports, the police had granted permission for Vijay's rally in Tiruchirappalli only under stringent conditions. The officials reportedly laid down 25 guidelines governing the event, including restrictions on roadshows, receptions, and vehicle convoys.
According to the rules laid by the police, not more than five vehicles would be allowed to follow Vijay's specially designed campaign bus. Furthermore, to ensure public safety, TVK has been directed to install barricades along the rally route at its own expense. Interestingly, the actor was travelling in a specially designed campaign bus, equipped with advanced cameras, loudspeakers, and protective iron railings to restrict unauthorised access.
The authorities had also further warned that the rally would be immediately halted if any conditions were violated.
