Tamil Nadu CM Vijay’s London event called off after police raise safety concerns

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay's public event outside London's iconic Shard skyscraper was cancelled after the Metropolitan Police raised concerns over crowd safety.Hundreds of fans had gathered at the venue, with several waiting for hours to see the actor-turned-politician. Vijay's team announced the cancellation over a loudspeaker, citing the lack of police permission on safety grounds.“For public safety concerns, we are calling off the programme because we don't have permission due to safety concerns,” a member of the chief minister's team said.Hours after the cancellation of the event, TVK's IT wing said in a social media post on X urged fans to refrain from waiting at the entrance of the hotel or making any attempts to meet him."We would be filled with love and heartfelt enthusiasm to meet the Tamil Nadu chief minister Thiru C Joseph Vijay. However, keeping the safety of the public in mind and considering the request of the London Metropolitan Police, an unavoidable situation has arisen where the chief minister and victorious leader cannot meet with you. Therefore, with affection, we kindly request that no one attempt to meet him," TVK's IT wing said.

"Furthermore, with humility, we request that you refrain from efforts such as waiting at the entrance of the hotel where the victorious leader is staying or along the route he will travel," it added.Vijay is in the UK as part of a state delegation seeking investments for Tamil Nadu. His office said earlier that the delegation had signed multiple memoranda of understanding involving investments worth around Rs 12,300 crore during the visit.

The investment agreements are part of the state's effort to position Tamil Nadu as a leading advanced manufacturing and technology hub in Asia. The projects are expected to create more than 9,400 high-value jobs across the state.Vijay is scheduled to conclude his UK visit and return to India on Wednesday.