Hundreds of fans who gathered outside London’s iconic The Shard on Tuesday hoping to see Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay were left disappointed after his planned public appearance was cancelled following intervention by the Metropolitan Police over safety concerns.

Fans had begun assembling outside the UK capital’s tallest building, with several reportedly waiting for hours for a glimpse of the actor-turned-politician.

The programme was eventually called off after organisers said they had not secured the necessary permission amid concerns over public safety.

“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.

Fans React To Cancellation Of Vijay’s Event

The cancellation drew a mixed reaction from those who had gathered. One young fan, who had been waiting at Vijay’s hotel for hours, acknowledged the safety concerns but pointed to the large turnout.

“I think it’s reasonable, but all of these people have been waiting. This is hardly the kind of crowd we see in Tamil Nadu," the fan said.

Vijay’s UK Visit

Vijay is in the UK as part of an investment outreach mission, leading a Tamil Nadu government delegation seeking to attract global investments to the state.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the delegation has secured multiple memoranda of understanding during the visit involving proposed investments of around Rs 12,300 crore.

The agreements are part of Tamil Nadu’s push to establish itself as a major advanced manufacturing and technology hub in Asia.

Officials said the proposed investments are expected to generate more than 9,400 high-value jobs across the state.

The London episode comes less than a year after a major crowd-related tragedy at a TVK rally in Karur.

On September 27, 2025, a stampede at the political gathering claimed 41 lives, triggering questions over crowd management and accountability

Vijay is expected to wrap up his UK visit and return to India on Wednesday.

Source: PTI