In a significant development, the Puducherry police have officially denied permission for a proposed roadshow by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay. The decision, citing logistical and security challenges, marks another hurdle for the party's public outreach plans in the region.
Security and Logistical Concerns Cited
The police authorities have pointed to narrow routes along the proposed path and the anticipation of a huge crowd as primary reasons for rejecting the roadshow application. This move comes amidst heightened security sensitivities following the recent tragic stampede in Karur. Officials stated that while permission for a public meeting has been granted, it cannot be held on the date requested by the party—December 5—as it provided too short a notice to make adequate security arrangements.
Details of the Proposed Event and Police Stance
TVK had planned for the roadshow to traverse through Kalapet, Maralapalam, and Ariyankuppam, culminating in a public meeting at the Uppalam-Sonampalayam Water Tank. This event in Puducherry was organized as an alternative after the Tamil Nadu police turned down the party's application to hold a public meeting in Salem on December 4.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sathiya Sundaram clarified the police's position on Tuesday. "We have not recommended a road show and have advised them to hold a public meeting on an alternative date," he stated, underscoring the force's focus on maintaining public order.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This series of denied permissions highlights the increasing scrutiny on large-scale political gatherings in the wake of recent crowd-related incidents. For TVK and its president Vijay, it represents a logistical setback in their planned political campaign activities. The party must now reconfigure its schedule and seek an alternative date approved by the Puducherry police for its public meeting, foregoing the roadshow element entirely. The situation underscores the critical balance political parties must strike between public engagement and adherence to security protocols laid down by law enforcement agencies.
