Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Sep 16: A public event featuring Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay was cancelled in London after a large crowd gathered outside The Shard, prompting the Metropolitan Police to raise safety concerns.
Hundreds of supporters had gathered outside the London landmark, where Vijay was staying, hoping to catch a glimpse of the chief minister. Authorities subsequently called off the planned programme, with a member of Vijay’s team announcing that it could not proceed without the necessary permission due to public safety concerns.
The cancellation left several supporters disappointed, with some reportedly waiting for hours outside the hotel.
Vijay is currently in the UK as part of a state delegation aimed at attracting investment to Tamil Nadu. During the visit, companies have announced investment commitments running into thousands of crores, with Samvardhana Motherson International committing Rs 11,000 crore to establish integrated design, engineering, manufacturing, assembly and logistics facilities in Tamil Nadu. The project is expected to generate around 7,000 jobs.
Other investment proposals have also been announced during the visit, covering sectors including technology, manufacturing and digital engineering. The commitments have been projected to create more than 9,000 jobs in the state.
The UK visit has also drawn criticism from opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, who have questioned aspects of Vijay’s itinerary and the investment claims. The criticism has been reported amid the chief minister’s efforts to attract overseas investment for the state.
Vijay is scheduled to conclude his UK visit and return to India on Wednesday.