Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, Sep 20: Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has reissued a stern advisory to its cadres ahead of his statewide campaign, following the Madras High Court’s sharp observations on damage to public property during last week’s massive Trichy rally.

The party has banned public receptions for Vijay, prohibited supporters from following his convoy, and strictly warned against risky acts such as climbing lamp posts, rooftops, vehicles, trees or flex boards. Bursting crackers has also been disallowed. Pregnant women, children, senior citizens, the differently abled and the sick have been urged to watch events online instead of attending rallies in person.

The Madras High Court, hearing TVK’s plea against police restrictions, questioned whether similar conditions applied to all parties. Justice N Sathish Kumar pointed to the chaos during the September 13 Trichy rally, remarking, “If something untoward had happened, who would take responsibility? As party president, Vijay ought to control the crowds.” The court also asked the Tamil Nadu government to frame uniform rally guidelines and report back by September 24.

Vijay’s tour began in Tiruchi and Ariyalur last weekend, with the city grinding to a halt as thousands joined his convoy on a route that stretched to six hours. He cancelled programmes in Perambalur and Mayiladuthurai, and will campaign in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur tomorrow. His schedule runs through December, mostly on Saturdays.

Making his electoral debut at the height of his acting career, Vijay hopes to emulate the political breakthroughs of C N Annadurai in 1967 and M G Ramachandran in 1977. However, both the ruling DMK and the opposition AIADMK have downplayed his impact, saying the crowds he draws may not necessarily translate into votes.