Vijay to Speak From Campaign Bus Rooftop in Puducherry, His First Event Since Karur Tragedy

Actor-turned-politician Vijay will make a highly anticipated public appearance in Puducherry on Tuesday, addressing supporters from the rooftop of his campaign bus.

His party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, has stressed that this is a standalone gathering. The event marks his first outdoor political meeting since the Karur stampede in September that killed 41 people.

Police Conditions and Security Measures

According to a TVK team member who spoke to NDTV, "Sir will speak from the bus top. The bus has already left Chennai."

Puducherry Police, who initially declined permission for a roadshow due to narrow streets, later allowed a public meeting with strict controls. Attendance is capped at 5,000 people and entry is allowed only through QR coded invitations issued by the party. People from neighbouring Tamil Nadu have been barred from attending.

A senior police officer said the administration is deploying 800 personnel to manage the event. Authorities have also mandated enclosures of 500 person capacity each for crowd control, while CCTV cameras have been newly installed at the venue.

Safety Protocols for Attendees

The TVK is responsible for providing drinking water, toilets, ambulances and other essential safety amenities. The party has issued an advisory urging pregnant women, children, the differently abled and the elderly to stay away due to safety considerations. Party workers and supporters have been cautioned not to climb buildings, rooftops, trees or transformers and told not to follow Vijay's vehicle during his arrival or exit.

Political Context and Tensions

Vijay's visit holds strategic significance as he seeks to strengthen his party's presence in Puducherry, a region where he already commands substantial fan support. His reemergence on the public stage comes at a time when a CBI investigation continues into the Karur tragedy. The Tamil Nadu government had earlier attributed the stampede to his delayed arrival, an allegation he countered by calling it a political conspiracy by the DMK while also accusing the police of lapses. Both the state administration and the DMK have rejected these claims.

Puducherry's political landscape adds further complexity. The Union Territory is currently governed by a coalition of the NR Congress and the BJP, while the Congress and the DMK form the opposition. Vijay has repeatedly described the BJP as his "ideological enemy" and the DMK as his "political enemy." His Puducherry outreach has gained added attention following reports that a few Congress leaders recently met him.

What Lies Ahead

Vijay is expected to address the gathering around 11 am, with the meeting mandated to end by 12:30 pm. After this event, he will resume his tour across Tamil Nadu, with Erode planned as his next major stop.