Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay’s visit to the Tamil Nadu Congress headquarters, Sathyamurthy Bhavan in Chennai, witnessed disorder on Monday as party functionaries and workers crowded in to greet him.
According to the arrangements, entry passes were issued to only 81 party office-bearers. However, after news of the Chief Minister’s arrival spread, a much larger crowd gathered at the venue.
Vijay was received by TN Congress president K. Selvaperunthagai, AICC in-charges Girish Chodankar and Nivedita Alva, former party leaders, MLA Viswanathan and other functionaries. He also paid floral tribute to the portrait of former Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.
A programme was organised at the Rajiv Hall, but the situation turned chaotic as several functionaries tried to enter the hall at once and sought to present shawls and take photographs with the Chief Minister. Police personnel on security duty struggled to control the crowd and even found it difficult to secure the hall entrance.
With the jostling intensifying, Vijay was unable to remain on the stage and could not receive shawls offered by senior leaders. Security officials eventually pushed back the crowd and escorted him out, bringing the event to an early end. The report noted that a similar disruption had occurred on May 10, when Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul left an event midway.
Earlier in the day, Vijay visited the Indian Union Muslim League office at Mannadi, where party leader Khader Mohideen welcomed him with a bouquet. Vijay said he had come in person to express respect for the support extended during a difficult time and added that Khader Mohideen could always rely on him.
