Chennai: In his first public occasion after the Karur stampede that claimed the lives of 41 folks, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay addressed a closely regulated public assembly in Puducherry on Tuesday.

Actor-politician Vijay accused the DMK authorities in Tamil Nadu of refusing to study fundamental classes on crowd administration and political neutrality, saying the DMK wouldn’t study a lesson till folks taught them within the upcoming meeting election.

As an alternative of his ordinary roadshow, the occasion was organised in an open area with attendance capped at 5,000 and entry permitted solely to these having a QR-coded move, issued by TVK.

The police additionally issued a robust advisory asking kids, pregnant ladies, aged folks, infants and the differently-abled to remain away. They even turned away those that confirmed up with kids.

Other than the restrictions, Puducherry UT administration additionally ensured the presence of ambulances, first-aid groups, hearth engines, ingesting water factors, bathrooms and emergency exits.

Based on TVK functionaries, followers and get together cadre have been instructed to not comply with Vijay’s car to keep away from site visitors chaos and the occasion was restricted to a decent two-hour window between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm.

‘MGR’s political rise started right here’

Vijay, who reached the stage at round 11.30 am, mentioned that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are the identical for him

“For the Union authorities, Tamil Nadu is one state and Puducherry one other Union Territory. However for us, the folks, we’re not separate. Even when we dwell in several cities or states, we’re one household.”

Nonetheless, folks from Tamil Nadu weren’t allowed entry to the occasion, ostensibly to keep away from over-crowding.

Calling it a land of satisfaction, Vijay recalled that MGR’s political rise started in Puducherry. “Earlier than forming the federal government in Tamil Nadu in 1977, MGR’s rule started in Puducherry in 1974. This land warned Tamil Nadu to not let go of him. How can we overlook Puducherry?” he mentioned.

Vijay additional mentioned that the folks of the UT had been supporting him for over 30 years and he would by no means limit his voice to Tamil Nadu alone.

Whereas Vijay criticised the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu, he appreciated the NR Congress-led NDA authorities in Puducherry.

“Regardless that that is an occasion by one other political get together, Puducherry ensured impartial, non-discriminatory safety. This isn’t just like the DMK authorities. I wholeheartedly thank the Puducherry authorities and the chief minister. The DMK ought to study from this, however they received’t. It’s positive; within the coming election, the folks will train them 100%,” he instructed the gathering.

Nonetheless, although Vijay didn’t straight assault the NR Congress and BJP coalition authorities within the UT, he accused the Union authorities of ignoring Puducherry. “The legislative meeting has handed resolutions 16 instances, in search of a statehood for Puducherry, however the Centre has not acted on it but. Just for the Centre are Tamil Nadu and Puducherry separate. For us, the folks, we’re collectively,” he mentioned.

He additionally urged folks to not belief the DMK. “They acquire our belief and betray, that’s their job,” he mentioned.

(Edited by Viny Mishra)

---

Additionally learn: Idli diplomacy in TN? Rahul aide Praveen Chakravarty says no politics on plate at meet with TVK’s Vijay

---