Salem, Feb 9: The Salem police have granted conditional approval for a public meeting planned by Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader and film star Vijay on February 13 at Thalamuthu Natarajan Grounds in Seelanaickenpalayam. The decision comes after TVK officials reapplied for permission with necessary documentation and negotiations with the local authorities.TVK’s central district secretary Tamilan A. Parthiban had submitted a fresh application to the Police Commissioner and Superintendent last week seeking clearance for the gathering, after earlier requests were revised following police feedback. Inspecting officers had initially raised concerns about insufficient parking space and the suitability of the selected venue, and advised the party to reapply with ten types of documents as mandated by the Tamil Nadu government’s protocol.
Under the newly granted permission, the public meeting will be held from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm on the scheduled date. The police have attached specific conditions to ensure safety and order during the event, including participant limits and regulations on who may attend. Reports indicate that the number of participants has been capped at around 5,000 people, and restrictions apply to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and elderly citizens.
The approval follows earlier challenges faced by TVK in obtaining clearances for similar meetings. In recent weeks, authorities had at times denied or delayed permission, citing procedural requirements and competing events. TVK leaders have criticised standard operating procedures for political gatherings as uneven and disadvantageous to new parties, asserting that recognised parties are given priority under current guidelines.
This development occurs against the backdrop of ongoing preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which Vijay’s TVK is positioning itself as a significant political force.