Actor-politician Vijay, the star face of the debutant Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has abruptly cancelled multiple campaign events in the final stretch of the Tamil Nadu assembly election campaign, prompting sharp criticism from the ruling DMK. With polling set for April 23 and just days left for canvassing, the moves have raised questions about the party’s ability to convert its leader’s popularity into votes on the ground.
Since the election schedule was announced on March 15, Vijay has pulled out of several permitted rallies and roadshows despite his central role as TVK’s biggest crowd-puller. The party has offered limited explanations for the decisions. The 52-year-old leader filed his nomination papers on March 30 and has so far campaigned in constituencies like Perambur and Kolathur, where he is contesting, along with a brief foray into Puducherry on April 4.
Among the cancelled events was a planned appearance in Villivakkam, which TVK attributed to security shortcomings by the police. A roadshow scheduled for April 6 in T Nagar and Villivakkam was also called off, with the party claiming police were deliberately limiting campaign time. On April 9, an event in Cuddalore was scrapped due to logistical hurdles, including a 175-kilometre journey through Puducherry—where polling was already underway—and concerns for public safety. Vijay further cancelled his April 11 programme in Cuddalore and a planned April 13 meeting in Tiruvallur.
He did hold a large roadshow in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi on April 8 and is now slated to campaign in Kanniyakumari on April 13 and Pudukottai on April 14. During his appearances, Vijay has asked voters to view all TVK candidates as extensions of himself.
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The absences have forced some TVK contestants to improvise, with candidates using life-size cut-outs of Vijay or even hiring lookalikes for door-to-door efforts. The party has been particularly cautious following a stampede at a Karur event last September that claimed 41 lives and drew accusations of poor crowd management against TVK.
The cancellations have invited barbs from political opponents. The DMK has mocked Vijay for running what it called a “work-from-home” style campaign. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked that while some leaders toil tirelessly on the ground to connect with voters, others prefer campaigning with frequent breaks. Senior figures like Chief Minister MK Stalin, AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, and NTK chief Seeman continue intensive statewide tours.
With several districts still uncovered and the canvassing deadline approaching, TVK faces mounting pressure. Party sources suggest Vijay may ramp up his schedule in the coming days, underscoring the importance of direct outreach in turning star appeal into electoral gains.