Actor–politician Vijay held his first major public rally in Puducherry on Tuesday, marking his return to the political stage following the tragic Karur stampede that claimed 41 lives. Addressing a large crowd, he thanked the Puducherry government for granting permission for the event—something he alleged was denied to his party in Tamil Nadu.
Greeting the audience as “Puducherry makkal,” Vijay emphasized unity between the two regions, saying, “We are not different, we are the same.” He highlighted Puducherry’s political history, noting that the region elected MG Ramachandran in 1974—three years before his victory in Tamil Nadu—and urged people not to overlook visionary leaders.
Criticism of DMK and Praise for Puducherry Govt
Vijay praised Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy and the ruling NR Congress for providing “unbiased security” and allowing the event despite his party campaigning independently. Drawing a direct comparison, he said:
“The Puducherry government is not like the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. I hope Tamil Nadu learns from this.”
NR Congress is currently part of the NDA. Vijay criticised both the DMK and BJP, saying the DMK’s “only duty” was to “make people believe and cheat,” while also urging the Union government not to “corner Puducherry the way it corners Tamil Nadu.”
Local Issues Highlighted
Vijay listed key issues affecting Puducherry residents, including:
- Absence of ration shops
- Frequent arrest of Karaikkal fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities
- Need for a new Puducherry–Cuddalore railway line
- Lack of public toilets and parking in the tourist-heavy region
He declared that his party would expand politically beyond Tamil Nadu, with flags soon to be hoisted in Puducherry.
Party Leaders Fire Back at TN Govt
TVK leaders accompanying Vijay also slammed the Tamil Nadu government.
Bussy Anand noted the rally was happening after 72 days, saying programmes in Tamil Nadu were being “restricted.”
Aadhav Arjuna, the party’s general secretary, accused the Tamil Nadu police of being misused and challenged the Chief Minister to “resign and face Vijay in the election,” asserting that TVK would “write a new 50-year history in Puducherry.”
The rally marks a significant moment for Vijay, who is pushing forward with his political ambitions despite recent setbacks and tensions with Tamil Nadu authorities.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
