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Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has faced flak from the Opposition parties in the state over his visit to London’s Silverstone Motor
Racing Circuit. The DMK, Left parties, AIADMK, and BJP have raised questions over the purpose and transparency of his first overseas trip. Notably, Bijay reviewed racing facilities and flagged off the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup race. The Tamil Nadu CM left for London on Thursday for a week-long visit reportedly to attract investments for the state. Tamil Nadu Aadhav Arjuna and government officials also accompanied Vijay to London.
Opposition's Reaction:
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami slammed Vijay over his trip. Taking a dig at Bijay, Planaiswami said that he had seen photos of the Tamil Nadu CM's London visit and there were no entrepreneurs. He added that there was no news about investments.
Meanwhile, MK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said that Vijay went to London to flag off Ajith's car race.
"Tamil Nadu CM Vijay's visit to London is not for industrial development, but to flag off Ajith's car race," said Elangovan.
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Nainar Nagenthran also questioned Vijay's visit. He even sought clarity on the people accompanying the Tamil Nadu CM during his visit. Notably, actor Trisha has also been spotted along with Vijay at the Michelin Le Mans Cup race.
"Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s @TVKVijayHQ ‘s London visit was officially announced from the 10th to the 17th, specifically to attract investments. Yet as of today — the fifth day — there is still no official word that even a single meeting or event aimed at drawing investments has actually taken place. The only programme we have seen is the one in which the Chief Minister appeared at a car race featuring actor Ajith Kumar. In the footage aired by television channels and social media, Minister Adhav Arjuna and actress Trisha were visible; investors were not," BJP leader Narayanan Thirupathy said.
TVK's Response:
On Friday, TVK National Spokesperson and advocate M. Sathya Kumar had aseretd that Vijay had gobe to London to attract investments. "See, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Vijay has travelled to London to ensure that he brings investment to Tamil Nadu. Investment is very much required to bring in private investment cycle, because we need to create employment for the youngsters. Beyond that, we need FDI to come into Tamil Nadu," Sathya told IANS.
TVK ally Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) also backed Vijay. "Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has clearly stated the reason for his visit to London. He has gone there to attract and bring investments to Tamil Nadu, create employment opportunities, and meet officials of multinational companies there for this purpose," NDMK MP Durai Vaiko told reporters.
Notably, Silverstone is one of the world’s prominent motor racing circuits.
