Vijay’s TVK applies for Puducherry public meeting after roadshow refusal
Puducherry: Campaign plans of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Puducherry have shifted direction after the Union Territory administration declined permission for party leader Vijay’s proposed roadshow scheduled for 5 December. The refusal prompted the party to quickly reassess its strategy and adjust its next steps.
In response to the denial, TVK has applied for approval to hold a public meeting on 9 December at the Uppalam Port Grounds in Puducherry. This move comes as the party continues to shape its statewide campaign for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, which it launched nearly two months ago in an effort to build momentum across districts and strengthen its support base.
The party had already faced a temporary setback following the recent incident in Karur, after which Vijay suspended his statewide tour and paused all major public events.
How has Vijay resumed his outreach?
After a month-long pause, Vijay resumed public interactions by meeting residents at their homes in Kancheepuram. This signalled a gradual restart of his campaign activities and a more calibrated approach to managing crowds and security.
With momentum returning, TVK sought permission to conduct a major roadshow in Puducherry on 5 December.
What happened during TVK’s attempts to secure approval?
TVK General Secretary Bussy Anand visited Puducherry to push for approval. He held discussions with senior police officials and even met the Chief Minister as part of his efforts to secure permission for the high-profile event. Despite multiple rounds of talks, the Puducherry Police refused permission for the roadshow. The reasons for the denial were not immediately shared with the media or with party cadre.
After the meeting, Anand avoided media questions, leading supporters and members to speculate about the grounds on which the request was rejected and whether political considerations may have influenced the decision.
How is TVK responding to the setback?
TVK has promptly reworked its strategy. The party now plans to conduct a large public meeting on 9 December at the Uppalam Port Grounds, shifting from a roadshow to a format that may be easier for the administration to manage. A formal request seeking permission for the gathering was submitted to Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) Kalaivanan on Thursday, according to party sources.
The party anticipates a strong turnout, as Puducherry holds strategic political importance and previous events led by Vijay in the region have drawn enthusiastic crowds.
With election season approaching, political observers suggest that the refusal to grant permission for the roadshow, combined with TVK’s swift switch to a public meeting, highlights the increasingly sensitive and competitive nature of the pre-poll atmosphere in the region.
TVK leaders believe that the Puducherry rally will play a crucial role in allowing Vijay to reassert his political presence after the temporary break in his campaign, reinforcing the party’s message that it remains firmly focused on the 2026 Assembly elections.
As the administration reviews the request for the 9 December meeting, TVK cadre are preparing for what they hope will be one of the party’s largest gatherings in the Union Territory in the run-up to the 2026 polls. They view the event as both a test of organisational strength and a symbolic relaunch of Vijay’s campaign.
IANS