Mon Apr 06 15:40:00 UTC 2026: # Vijay’s Political Rallies Face Increasing Restrictions in Tamil Nadu

The Story:
Tamil actor and TVK party leader Vijay has faced increasing restrictions on his political rallies in Tamil Nadu, following a tragic incident on September 27 of last year where 41 people died in a stampede during a roadshow in Karur. Since then, authorities have imposed stricter regulations, often denying permits or limiting attendance to a few thousand, requiring QR code passes, and citing security concerns. Vijay has publicly criticized the DMK government, accusing them of deliberately obstructing his activities and alleging that officials are biased against him.

Key Points:

  • September 27, Last Year: 41 people died in a stampede at Vijay’s TVK party roadshow in Karur.
  • Authorities denied permission for a rally in Salem on December 4 citing inability to control crowds.
  • Subsequent rallies were allowed with restrictions, such as limiting attendance to 5,000 people and requiring QR code passes.
  • Police imposed 84 restrictions on a rally planned in Perundurai, Erode district on December 18.
  • Authorities in Vellore rejected a request to hold a rally for 25,000 people.
  • Police required 45 days advance notice for rallies expecting over 50,000 attendees.
  • Vijay was forced to change the venues for the announcement of candidates for the upcoming legislative assembly elections after being denied permission for his initial choices.
  • Vijay met with the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, Archana Patnaik, to complain about officials obstructing his events and requested transfers of officials from his constituency.
  • Vijay accused the DMK government of “fascist attacks” on democracy and of using officials as “slaves.”
  • Vijay filed his nomination on January 30 in Perambur and started his election campaign.
  • The central home ministry received a letter requesting ‘Y’ category security for Vijay, citing security concerns at rallies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Karur tragedy significantly impacted Vijay’s ability to hold political rallies.
  • Authorities are using crowd control and security concerns as justification for restricting Vijay’s political activities.
  • Vijay perceives these restrictions as politically motivated and accuses the ruling party of bias.
  • The situation highlights the tensions between political expression and public safety in Tamil Nadu.
  • The central government is being asked to provide ‘Y’ category security which suggests potential threats.

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