TVK Rally in Trichy Sparks Traffic Chaos and Political Criticism
A recent roadshow by the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, caused significant traffic disruption in Trichy city on [Date – implied from context, needs to be added if known]. The rally, permitted by police to run between 10:30 am and 11:00 am, experienced substantial delays, with Vijay arriving at the Marakkadai venue around 3:00 pm – nearly five hours late.
The slow pace of the campaign vehicle, surrounded by thousands of supporters, led to severe traffic congestion across trichy, impacting major roadways including the Tiruchy-Pudukkottai and Tiruchy-Chennai National Highways. Areas particularly affected included TVS Tollgate, Head Post Office Junction, Melapudur, Palakkarai, Thennur, Gandhi Market, and Court road. Congress Rajya Sabha MP and former finance minister P. Chidambaram was among those caught in the resulting gridlock. The disruption also heavily impacted public transport, as Marakkadai serves as a crucial bus hub connecting the city’s Central and Chathiram bus stands.
The event drew criticism from multiple political figures. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M.K. Stalin, in a letter to DMK cadres inviting them to a September 17th event in Karur, subtly criticized the TVK. Stalin emphasized the DMK’s commitment to principled gatherings, stating, “DMK is a party that holds gatherings based on principles. Our cadres do not cause disturbances or inconvenience the public. we assemble with ideological commitment and disperse as warriors of those ideals.”
Natakadhira Thozhilalargal Kazhagam (NTK) president Seeman commented on the large crowds, noting the historical precedent of actors drawing public support. “when an actor comes off of the screen crowds will gather. MGR, Sivaji Ganesan all drew crowds.Ajith or Rajinikanth or Nayanthara would draw greater crowds. look at the politics they put forward, not the crowd,” he stated.
BJP’s state youth wing president, Vinoj B Selvam, also voiced criticism, stating the situation was “scary” and blaming the DMK for “intoxicating the minds of youth using cinema as a tool…for their personal ideological propaganda and also to increase their wealth using their production houses.” He further asserted that manny TVK supporters were a ”product of this misadventure.”