Vijay's rally gets conditional nod: 84 strict rules imposed after Karur tragedy

Erode (The Uttam Hindu): South Indian cinema superstar and now politician Vijay's party 'Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam' (TVK) has got permission from the police administration to organise a rally in Erode on December 18, but this permission was not so easy. The police have put 84 strict conditions before the party for organising the rally. In the permission letter issued on Sunday, the police have made it clear that the organisers will have to deposit Rs 50,000 as security deposit. Also, after the programme is over, the venue will have to be cleaned and returned to its original condition.

The police administration's extreme strictness stems from a major incident that occurred a few months ago. On September 27th of this year, 41 people tragically died in a stampede during a TVK rally in Karur. Learning from that tragedy, the Erode police are determined to ensure no laxity in security this time. The police have also set a time limit for the rally, limiting the gathering to 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Strict guidelines have been issued regarding law and order, crowd control, and traffic management for the rally in Vijayamangalam.

The rally venue also faced a problem, as the proposed 16-acre site belongs to a private temple under the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE). Initially, the department delayed issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC), but after discussions between party representatives and temple authorities on Sunday, the NOC was granted. Superintendent of Police A. Sujatha, along with her team, inspected the site and issued a conditional permit. The party will also have to pay 50,000 rupees as temple rent.

Party chief coordinator and senior leader K.A. Sengottaiyan stated that preparations for the December 18 public meeting are underway on a war footing. He inspected the venue near the Vijayamangalam toll booth and claimed that Vijay is receiving overwhelming public support. Sengottaiyan stated that TVK has no political rivals and that Vijay will certainly become the Chief Minister in next year's assembly elections. He declined to comment on speculation that expelled AIADMK leader Sasikala may join the NDA.