Tiruchirappalli, 11 Sep

The police here have granted permission to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s weekend campaign at Marakkadai on 13 September, imposing numerous restrictions.

The event, where the actor is set to launch his campaign ahead of the Assembly poll next year, is restricted to only 25 minutes, and no roadshow or reception will be allowed en route to the venue, police said on Thursday. Campaigning will be done only in Tiruchirappalli.

“There should not be any law and order issues during the campaign,” the police said. It is learnt that the TVK has accepted the conditions imposed on the party and agreed to ensure a smooth conduct of the event.

According to police, the campaign has been scheduled between 10.35am and 11am and the participants were expected to reach the venue by 9.35am owing to “heavy pedestrian and commercial activity” in the area.

The campaign vehicles have been limited to the TVK leader’s vehicle and five others. Party functionaries have been prohibited from walking, and no vehicle procession will be held. Also, the organisers should make arrangements for the parking of vehicles without disrupting public transportation.

Further, another among the 23 restrictions imposed on the TVK asked the party to make arrangements for providing drinking water, first-aid, ambulance and firefighting equipment at the venue.

Responding to Vijay’s charge that the ruling DMK dispensation attempted to prevent his campaign, state Municipal Administration Minister KN Nehru told reporters here that there was no need to create hurdles.

“The venue chosen for the campaign causes inconvenience to the public, and hence the police had to permit with restrictions,” he added.