Event Cancelled Over Safety Concerns

A planned public appearance by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay outside London's The Shard was cancelled on Tuesday after the Metropolitan Police raised concerns over crowd safety, disappointing hundreds of supporters who had gathered at the venue.

Fans had assembled outside the UK's tallest building hoping to see the actor-turned-politician, with many reportedly waiting for hours before organisers announced the event would not proceed.

"For public safety concerns, we are calling off the programme because we don't have permission due to safety concerns," a member of the chief minister's team announced over a loudspeaker, according to multiple reports.

The cancellation drew disappointment from supporters, some of whom had travelled long distances and spent much of the day outside the venue. One young fan, who had been waiting at Vijay's hotel for hours, told news agency PTI: "I think it's reasonable but all of these people have been waiting. This is hardly the kind of crowds we see in Tamil Nadu."

TVK Statement

The IT wing of Vijay's political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), confirmed the cancellation in a statement on X, saying that while party workers and supporters were eager to meet the chief minister, the meeting could not go ahead due to safety concerns and a request from the London Metropolitan Police.

"We would be filled with love and heartfelt enthusiasm to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru C Joseph Vijay. However, keeping the safety of the public in mind and considering the request of the London Metropolitan Police, an unavoidable situation has arisen where the Chief Minister and Victorious Leader cannot meet with you," the statement read.

The party's IT wing also appealed to supporters, saying: "Therefore, with affection, we kindly request that no one attempt to meet him. Furthermore, with humility, we request that you refrain from efforts such as waiting at the entrance of the hotel where the Victorious Leader is staying or along the route he will travel."

Investment Mission Continues

Vijay is in the UK leading a Tamil Nadu government delegation on an investment outreach mission aimed at attracting global investors to the state. According to the Chief Minister's Office, the delegation has signed multiple memoranda of understanding during the visit, bringing in proposed investments worth about Rs 12,300 crore.

The agreements are expected to support Tamil Nadu's push to become a leading advanced manufacturing and technology hub in Asia and could create more than 9,400 high-value jobs, officials said.

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