Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay has cancelled multiple campaign rallies in recent days, even as political parties intensify outreach ahead of the April 23 Tamil Nadu
Assembly elections.
According to IANS, Vijay on Sunday cancelled a scheduled public meeting in Kanyakumari district midway through preparations, opting instead to hold a major roadshow as campaigning entered its final high-intensity phase.
Elaborate arrangements had been made at the Vivekananda College grounds in Agasteeswaram, with party cadres working on a war footing to prepare the venue.
However, the programme was abruptly called off, with workers dismantling the stage and removing equipment shortly after the decision was communicated.
TVK functionaries confirmed that Vijay would instead participate in a roadshow along the bypass stretch from Mahadhanapuram Roundabout to Zero Point in Kanyakumari.
Police granted permission for the roadshow between 2 pm and 8 pm, imposing conditions to ensure law and order, as large crowds are expected.
EARLIER CUDDALORE RALLY ALSO CALLED OFF
The Kanyakumari change in schedule follows another recent cancellation.
On April 11, Vijay had called off a planned campaign rally in Cuddalore district, citing safety concerns.
The rally was part of a day-long campaign planned across multiple locations, including Cuddalore, Vadalur, Sethiyathope and Tittakudi.
The programme had already been postponed once earlier in the week before being cancelled again.
According to party sources cited by IANS, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after a series of minor vehicle-related incidents during Vijay’s recent campaign travels in southern districts.
With Cuddalore located about 175 kilometres from Chennai, the campaign team reportedly assessed that the long road journey could increase the risk of further incidents.
The move drew mixed reactions in political circles, with some observers questioning the frequent last-minute changes to campaign schedules.
Supporters, however, defended the decision, saying the safety of the leader and campaign team was paramount given the demanding nature of the election trail.
VIJAY CONTINUES CAMPAIGN PUSH TODAY
Despite the cancellations, ANI reported that Vijay is continuing his outreach efforts and is set to campaign in Kanniyakumari today as the election draws closer.
According to ANI, enthusiastic supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Neelankarai, Chennai, ahead of his departure, raising slogans of “Thalapathy” as he greeted party cadres before travelling to the airport.
Large crowds were also seen along the route as he travelled from his residence to Chennai airport.
ANI further reported that Vijay recently appealed to party workers to intensify grassroots mobilisation, urging them to connect directly with voters in the final days before polling.
HIGH-INTENSITY CAMPAIGNING ACROSS TAMIL NADU
With campaigning permitted only until April 21, political parties across Tamil Nadu have stepped up their outreach efforts.
Senior leaders have been holding back-to-back rallies and roadshows to maximise voter engagement in the final stretch.
Vijay, who is contesting his first election as TVK chief, has been conducting a whirlwind statewide campaign seeking votes for the party’s ‘whistle’ symbol.
Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
As the campaign enters its decisive phase, Vijay’s scheduling adjustments and campaign strategy continue to draw close political attention.
