TVK's Vijay gets nod to hold first rally since Karur stampede, but it comes with riders

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay will address a rally Puducherry today.

Actor and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay is all set to hold his first public rally in Puducherry on Tuesday since the Karur stampede of September that killed 41 people.

The Puducherry police on Sunday issued advisory restricting entry to the locals and stating a cap on the number of participants in the rally.

The event will be held at the Expo ground on Tuesday. According to PTI, the advisory issued by Senior Superintendent of Police (Law and Order) of Puducherry, R Kalaivanan, focuses on crowd control and safety regulations, following the denial of permission for a road show.

The Puducherry Police, who initially denied permission for a roadshow citing cramped streets and narrow lanes - have granted approval with several strict conditions.

The police has only allowed 5,000 people to participate and they have to enter the venue before 12:30 pm. Only Puducherry residents will be allowed in the rally and no one from Tamil Nadu will be allowed to attend, the advisory stated.

“Children, pregnant women and elderly persons would not be permitted entry," it said, adding that only those with valid QR code pass issued by the TVK will be allowed to enter.

PTI quoted police official saying parking of vehicles would be permitted at the Puducherry Marina, the rear side of the sports stadium and the old port area. The police further said that the organisers have been asked to provide drinking water at the venue, toilet facilities, ambulances, first aid medical teams, fire engines and proper enclosures.

The rally will be the first conducted by the party after the Karur stampede on September 27 that killed 41 people.

On December 2, the Tamil Nadu government told the Supreme Court that the tragic stampede in Karur on September 27 was the result of “reckless, negligent, and uncoordinated actions" by the organisers and cadres of the TVK party.

The government noted that the police acted with “exemplary courage and discipline" during the incident, directing people towards exits and clearing emergency routes, despite the darkness, chaos, and crowd panic. The affidavit also stressed that Vijay had acknowledged the police’s efforts in ensuring his safe arrival at the venue, thanking them for their support, Live Law reported.

The Tamil Nadu government had earlier blamed his delayed arrival for the tragedy -- which Vijay dismissed as a political conspiracy by the ruling DMK. He had also blamed the police for lapses. The state government and the DMK have denied the allegations.