Tiruchy (Tamil Nadu), April 14 (IANS) With just days to go for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay is set to intensify his campaign in the central region, after police granted him conditional permission for a roadshow and party functionaries’ meeting in Tiruchy, scheduled for tomorrow (Tuesday), subject to a stringent set of 27 restrictions.

According to officials, the conditions focus heavily on crowd management, traffic regulation, and public safety, reflecting heightened caution after recent incidents linked to large political gatherings.

Vijay will embark on a two-kilometre roadshow from the airport. Police sources said organisers have been instructed to strictly adhere to designated routes, avoid overcrowding, and ensure that emergency lanes remain unobstructed throughout the procession.

The restrictions also include limits on vehicle convoys, the use of public address systems, and the deployment of volunteers for crowd control.

After the roadshow, Vijay will interact with party cadres and hold a meeting with functionaries, where he is expected to issue key election-related directions. He will then proceed to the neighbouring Pudukottai district to address three campaign meetings as part of his statewide outreach.

The campaign push comes at a crucial juncture for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which was launched by Vijay in 2024 with a promise of clean governance, youth-centric policies, and an alternative to the entrenched Dravidian political framework.

Since its formation, the party has rapidly mobilised support, particularly among first-time voters and urban youth. However, Vijay’s political journey has not been without controversy. A tragic stampede during a TVK event in Karur in September 2025, which claimed 41 lives, cast a shadow over the party’s campaign style and triggered widespread criticism over crowd management lapses.

The incident prompted authorities across the state to enforce tighter regulations on political gatherings, especially those involving large public turnouts. In this backdrop, the Tiruchy event is being closely monitored by the police, with additional personnel deployed across key points to prevent any untoward incidents.

Senior officers said the administration is committed to facilitating democratic campaigning while ensuring public safety is not compromised.

–IANS

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