As Vijay Makes Poll Promises, Over 30 Faint At His Campaign Rallies In Coimbatore And Tiruppur

Tiruppur: Even as investigation into the Karur stampede incident is still underway, fresh concerns over crowd management emerged during actor-turned-politician Vijay's campaign rallies in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, where over 30 people including a party candidate fainted on Tuesday.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader Vijay arrived at Coimbatore airport at around 2 PM via a chartered flight from Chennai and then travelled by campaign van towards Tiruppur. Around 1000 party cadres had gathered at the airport to welcome him, while thousands more stood on both sides of the roads at Chinnayampalayam and Neelambur. Many of the supporters also followed his vehicle on two-wheelers.

At Kaniyur toll plaza, TVK candidate Sukumaran from Sulur constituency had been waiting since 11 AM along with over 1000 supporters. When Vijay reached the spot, the crowd rushed to catch a glimpse of him, during which Sukumaran fainted. Party workers quickly came to his aid, sprinkling water on his face before reviving him.

Amid the chaos, a woman Sudhamani also lost a five-sovereign gold chain, which was allegedly snatched by unidentified persons. Similarly, in Avinashi, at least nine people fainted after waiting for hours in the heat to attend Vijay's event. They were immediately rushed to hospital. Police also rescued three children who had gone missing in the crowd and later reunited them with their parents.

Meanwhile, at Perumanallur in Tiruppur, large crowds began gathering from as early as 12 noon, even though Vijay was scheduled to arrive at around 4 PM. With a congregation of nearly 20,000 people at the venue, more than 20 fainted due to overcrowding and the scorching heat. Police and volunteers shifted them to hospitals using ambulances.

'Will Consider Old Pension Scheme Reinstatement'

Addressing a rally in Tiruppur, Vijay said that if his party comes to power, the reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme for Tamil Nadu government employees would be considered.

For this event, he travelled by road from the Coimbatore airport to Avinashi, where he participated at a roadshow near the Avinashi bypass. There, thousands of cadres and people who had gathered in large numbers accorded a rousing welcome to Vijay.

Speaking at the rally, Vijay said, “To facilitate the direct sale of weavers' products in international markets, a state-owned global e-commerce brand will be established. 'Vetri Thari' (Victory Loom) retail outlets will be set up in major cities.”

To help alleviate the burden caused by volatile yarn prices and the electricity crisis, an annual financial assistance of ₹30,000 will be provided to every weaver family—whether they operate handlooms or power looms, he added.

According to him, the free electricity quota for handlooms will be increased to 500 units, and for power looms, it will be raised to 1,500 units. To reduce production costs for weavers, a 50% subsidy will be provided on the yarn, dyes, and chemicals they procure. Life insurance coverage worth ₹10 lakhs will be provided to all weavers. The old-age pension for weavers will be increased to ₹3,000 per month, Vijay promised.

MSME enterprises

According to him, Tamil Nadu is the second-highest state in India in terms of the number of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that have shut down. He blamed the DMK government for this. “Therefore, to assist MSME enterprises currently facing a crisis, a state Credit Guarantee Fund worth ₹15,000 crores will be established. Furthermore, one of the primary reasons for the closure of MSME enterprises is the peak-hour electricity tariff, which has surged by over 400 per cent. Consequently, the peak-hour electricity tariff for MSMEs will be abolished. Additionally, MSME enterprises will be granted a 100% exemption from electricity tax for the next five years,” Vijay added.

Promise for farmers

For farmers owning less than 5 acres of land, crop loans obtained from agricultural cooperative societies will be completely waived. For farmers owning more than 5 acres, a 50% waiver will be granted. A statutory guarantee will be provided for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of agricultural produce, the leader promised.

“A price of ₹3,500 per quintal will be offered for paddy, and ₹4,500 per tonne for sugarcane. Under the Thozhan scheme, tenant farmers and agricultural labourers will be provided with an annual direct investment support sum of ₹10,000. Under a 100% insurance scheme, crop protection will be guaranteed,” he pointed out.

Assurance for government employees

The reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme will be carefully considered and evaluated. Temporary teachers, nurses, and clerical staff who have completed five or more years of continuous government service will have their services regularised, according to Vijay.

“The culture of accepting bribes for promotions will be brought to an end. The transfer of government employees will be implemented in a transparent and time-bound manner,” he said.

For police personnel

The basic monthly salary of police personnel will be raised from ₹18,200 to ₹25,000. Police personnel engaged in high-stress duties will be provided with a monthly duty allowance of ₹1,000. The working hours of police personnel will be regulated, and they will be granted one day of leave per week on a rotational basis, Vijay said.

He also asserted that police welfare hospitals will be established in Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Salem, and Vellore. “Female police personnel will not be assigned to security protocol or security guard duties. Separate restrooms and mobile restroom facilities will be set up specifically for female police personnel," stated Vijay.

Roadshow cancelled

Meanwhile, it was announced that following the conclusion of his campaign in Perumanallur, Vijay would conduct a 6-kilometre roadshow extending up to the Pooluvapatti four-way junction. Consequently, a large number of the public gathered in the area to catch a glimpse of Vijay. However, the roadshow was cancelled at the very last minute. As a result, Vijay resumed his journey toward Coimbatore via the Salem-Kochi National Highway. As a result, supporters—including women—who had gathered to see Vijay returned home in disappointment.