Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Daijiworld Media Network - Byndoor/Udupi (TP)
Byndoor / Udupi, Jun 12: Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay visited the revered Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur on Friday amid tight security arrangements, after a last-minute change in his travel plan left several fans and supporters disappointed across Udupi district.
Vijay arrived in the coastal region by road from Mangaluru International Airport and was initially scheduled to halt at a private hotel near the Karavali Bypass in Udupi before proceeding to Kollur. However, owing to time constraints, he altered his itinerary and proceeded directly to the temple town, bypassing the planned stop.
The sudden deviation from the schedule disappointed many supporters who had gathered at the hotel and along the expected route in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Tamil Nadu chief minister.
On arrival at Kollur, Vijay was warmly received by the temple management committee and offered prayers at the famed Mookambika Temple, one of the most significant pilgrimage centres in the region, attracting devotees from across the country.
Given the high-profile nature of the visit, extensive security arrangements were enforced in and around the temple premises and along the travel route.
The Udupi District Police ensured that the movement of the chief minister did not inconvenience devotees and the general public despite heightened security protocols.
As Vijay is accorded Z-plus security cover, additional protection was deployed at the temple complex, entry points, and throughout the convoy route.
A specialised security team of around 40 personnel from the Tamil Nadu police department, including a deputy inspector general and a superintendent of police, accompanied the chief minister. The operation was closely coordinated with local police authorities to ensure smooth and secure passage.
Despite the disappointment caused by the change in itinerary, a sizeable number of supporters still gathered across Udupi district to welcome the chief minister during his brief visit.