News Tamil Nadu

Flood-Affected People Come To Vijay’s Party Office To Collect Relief, Netizens Question TVK Leader’s Approach

December 3, 2024
The Commune

Actor-turned-politician Vijay, leader of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is facing criticism for his decision to bring flood victims to his party office in Panaiyur for relief, instead of personally visiting the affected areas. While other political leaders conducted on-ground inspections, Vijay’s approach prompted many to question the appropriateness of gathering victims at a political office for aid distribution.

Since its inception, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has faced criticism for the party leader’s lack of direct involvement on the ground, with many accusing him of issuing statements primarily through social media. Recently, during the severe flooding caused by Cyclone Fengal, TVK chief Vijay called upon people to gather at his party headquarters in Panaiyur for relief work. This move has sparked a wave of criticism and trolling from netizens, who have harshly criticized his decision.

Cyclone ‘Fengal’, which originated in the southwest Bay of Bengal, moved west-southwest and made landfall near Puducherry on the night of 2 December 2024.  At the time of landfall, wind speeds ranged from 70 to 80 km/h, with occasional gusts reaching 90 km/h. This resulted in heavy rainfall across several districts, including Chennai, Villupuram, Cuddalore, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and surrounding areas. Following the cyclone’s passage, the rain continued, with cyclonic winds blowing at speeds of 60 to 90 km/h, particularly in Villupuram, Cuddalore, Tiruvannamalai, and Krishnagiri. Notably, Krishnagiri experienced its highest rainfall in 300 years, with the Uthankarai region and surrounding areas being especially affected.

While ruling DMK ministers, Opposition Leader Edappadi Palaniswami, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, and other leaders conducted on-ground inspections in Krishnagiri and Villupuram districts and began providing relief. In this reagard, TVK chief Vijay also took action. He personally invited members from 300 families to his Panaiyur party office, where each family received food and continued assistance.

His decision to bring flood affected victims to his party office by bus to distribute aid has drawn criticism. Many are questioning whether it is appropriate to gather victims at a political office for relief efforts, especially when other political parties are carrying out field visits. Netizens have raised concerns on social media, asking why a crowd is necessary now, when such crowds are typically absent during election campaigns. They argue that a more humane approach would involve personally visiting affected areas to console the victims and offer aid. Some of the criticism given below.

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