TVK chief Vijay flags ‘serious and alarming’ security lapses during campaign, writes to Amit Shah

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay on Wednesday wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Union Home Secretary, alleging serious gaps in security during his ongoing campaign for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The actor-turned-politician said the issue came to light on March 30, when he travelled from Perambur to Kolathur after filing his nomination. According to him, there was not enough police presence or traffic regulation, raising concerns about the safety of his convoy.

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In his letter, Vijay said the campaign had been planned after securing all required permissions from the election authorities. Yet, he claimed there was no proper arrangement to ensure smooth and secure movement between venues.

“I respectfully submit that on 30/03/2026, TVK President undertook a scheduled election campaign after filing his nomination in the Perambur constituency. The said campaign programme had been organised only after obtaining the necessary permissions and approvals from the election authorities. It is submitted that on 30/03/2026, TVK President Thiru. Vijay proceeded towards the next campaign venue located in the Kolathur constituency after his campaign at Perambur. To our shock and serious concern, it was observed that no adequate police deployment had been made to facilitate the secure and uninterrupted movement of the VIP convoy carrying the protectee from Perambur to Kolathur,” he mentioned.

He pointed out that he has been given ‘Y’ category security by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and is treated as a protected individual under official guidelines. Vijay also noted that he is actively campaigning across the state for the 2026 Assembly elections and is contesting from Perambur and Trichy East.

‘Serious and alarming lapses’ during campaign movement

Describing the situation as “serious and alarming”, Vijay said there was a clear lack of adequate police deployment during his movement between campaign stops. He urged the Centre to step in and direct the Tamil Nadu Police to ensure proper security arrangements at all his public appearances, including rallies.

He also stressed the need to strictly follow the “Yellow Book”, which lays down rules for the protection of individuals under security cover. Calling for immediate action, Vijay warned that any delay could lead to potential security risks during the election period.

Election context and key contests

Vijay is contesting from Perambur and Trichy East, where he faces DMK leaders RD Sekar and Inigo S Irudayaraj. Perambur was earlier considered a CPI(M) stronghold until 2016, with RD Sekar winning the 2019 bypoll and holding the seat since.

In Kolathur, represented by Chief Minister MK Stalin, the TVK has fielded VS Babu.

Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23 across all 234 constituencies, with counting scheduled for May 4.