London police shut down public event for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay over safety fears

Why was the event cancelled?

A planned public appearance by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay outside London's Shard skyscraper was cancelled on Tuesday after British police raised concerns over the sheer size of the crowd.

Hundreds of fans had gathered around the London Bridge and Shard area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician. Some had waited for hours outside the Shangri-La hotel, which occupies floors 34 to 52 of Western Europe's tallest building. The gathering was organised by the UK chapter of Vijay's political party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

As the crowd grew, the Metropolitan Police intervened. A member of Vijay's team was forced to use a megaphone to deliver the news to the waiting crowd. "For public safety concerns, we are calling off the programme because we don't have permission due to safety concerns," the staff member announced.

One witness posting on social media described the scene around the London Bridge area as "absolutely chaotic," noting that locals were left wondering what was happening. While some fans expressed disappointment after travelling long distances, others accepted the decision. One young supporter who had camped outside the venue told reporters that while the police intervention was reasonable, "this is hardly the kind of crowds we see in Tamil Nadu."

What was the purpose of the London visit?

Vijay is currently in the UK leading a state government delegation on a mission to attract global investments to Tamil Nadu. The Chief Minister's Office said the delegation had signed multiple memoranda of understanding during the trip, securing proposed investments worth around ₹12,300 crore.

Officials expect these agreements to support Tamil Nadu's goal of becoming an advanced manufacturing and technology hub in Asia, potentially creating more than 9,400 high-value jobs. Among the deals highlighted by Vijay's office was an ₹11,000 crore agreement signed in London between the state investment agency, Guidance Tamil Nadu, and Samvardhana Motherson International Ltd.

What criticism has the trip faced?

The overseas tour has drawn sharp criticism from opposition politicians back in India. The AIADMK questioned the necessity of the trip, arguing that taxpayers' money was being spent needlessly.

Opposition leaders specifically targeted the ₹11,000 crore deal with Samvardhana Motherson International. They pointed out that the company was established in India in 1986 and remains headquartered in Noida, questioning why the Chief Minister needed to travel to London to sign an agreement with an Indian business.

Critics also raised questions about Vijay's wider itinerary, which included a visit to the Silverstone motor racing circuit where he met actor and racer Ajith Kumar. Opposition parties argued these activities suggested the trip was not solely focused on securing state investments.

Vijay is scheduled to conclude his visit and return to India on Wednesday.