The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) debut public meeting, led by party chief and actor-turned-politician Vijay, took an unexpected turn when an ex-Army personnel, dressed in full military uniform, marched towards the stage to salute the actor. This action has drawn criticism from military veterans like Lt Col N Thiagarajan, who pointed out that wearing a military uniform in public after retirement violates Army regulations and could lead to legal consequences.
TVK Debut Public Meeting
Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, held a massive rally at V. Salai near Vikravandi in Vizhupuram district, Tamil Nadu. Addressing the massive crowd of his supporters, actor Vijay elaborated on his party’s ideologies and fixed who his political enemies are in his speech.
However, a person wearing the Army uniform created controversy as he was seen marching towards Vijay on the ramp and saluting him. The bodyguards later asked him to get off the ramp as Vijay headed towards the dias.
Ex-Serviceman At TVK Conference
Later, speaking to media channels, he said, “I am M Perumal, I am ex-Army. I have served for 24 years in the Army. I have been a big fan of Thalaivar (Vijay) since my childhood. I am from Thirumangalam district in Madurai. We are 200 people and we arrived in 30 buses. We came here to ensure that Thalaivar’s conference is a grand success. We want to see him and listen to his speech, and that is why we are here. For the people of Thirumangalam, today is Deepavali, not 31st. We have come here to participate in the conference and today is our Deepavali. We started at 9 PM in the night yesterday and the celebrations have been going on since then. My only wish is that this India flag must be pinned onto Thalaivar’s chest. It is my wish.”
He further said, “I have served in the Army, I was a part of the commando team. Next, I will be Thalaivar’s right hand. Whatever work he gives me – be it political work, or charity – I will do it to the best of my ability. I am ready to do that. Most importantly, I will be Thalaivar’s commando and be his right hand and I will see to it that there is no harm or threats to Thalaivar. I will take care of him till the end. We, the people of Thirumangalam district promise this.”
Military Veterans Slam Perumal
An Army veteran, Lt Col N Thiagarajan, posted on his social media handle that appearing in uniform in public after retirement is a violation of military regulations.
Appearing in the media in uniform after retirement is unlawful. Furthermore, he allegedly breached Paragraph 666 of the Army Regulations (2010 edition).
He is entitled to disciplinary action from the IA.@adgpi #Army https://t.co/EwzzGWxHjt— Lt Col N Thiagarajan Veteran (@NTR_NationFirst) October 27, 2024
Additionally, he wrote that the retired Army personnel allegedly breached Paragraph 666 of the Army Regulations (2010 edition), which states that retired personnel are not permitted to wear the Army uniform in public places, and violations are prosecutable under IPC Section 140.
Such actions by ESM violate the code of conduct, disrespect the dignity of the #IndianArmy, and dishonor military attire and decorations. The military uniform holds deep respect and is not meant for political drama. @adgpi
#CodeOfConduct#தமிழகவெற்றிக்கழகம் #ThalapathyVijay https://t.co/IXdhwdWQSk— Lt Col N Thiagarajan Veteran (@NTR_NationFirst) October 27, 2024
He also added that conviction could result in a jail term of up to three months and that such actions by ex-servicemen disrespect the Indian Army’s code of conduct, undermine the dignity of military attire and decorations, and misuse the deep respect the uniform commands.
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