Is he attracting investments? Opposition roasts Vijay over London Silverstone visit
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay's visit to London's Silverstone Circuit has triggered a political row, with the Opposition questioning whether his four-day overseas trip is focused on attracting investments to the state.
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagendran sought details about the purpose of Vijay's visit, those accompanying him, whether government funds were being used and the investments he was seeking to bring to Tamil Nadu. DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin also attacked Vijay, saying the state had never witnessed such an "uncivilised" Chief Minister.
Vijay is currently on a four-day visit to London, where he is expected to meet business leaders and explore investment opportunities for Tamil Nadu.
The Opposition's criticism intensified after pictures from a motor racing event surfaced on social media. Images of Vijay and actor Trisha at actor Ajith's Le Mans Cup event at the Silverstone Circuit drew attention, prompting questions over whether the Chief Minister's overseas visit was primarily focused on investment promotion.
Palaniswami said he had initially welcomed Vijay's decision to travel abroad within 100 days of taking office to attract investments, arguing that such efforts could boost development and create jobs.
However, he took a swipe at the Chief Minister after pictures from Silverstone emerged.
"The picture is different in the media," Palaniswami said, sarcastically adding, "See how he is attracting investments."
BJP state president Nainar Nagendran questioned whether Vijay's London trip was official or personal and sought clarity on who had accompanied him.
"There are reports that some people have travelled with him. I don't know who went or whom he took along," Nagendran said.
He also questioned whether government funds had been used for the trip and whether Vijay had travelled to London specifically to attract investments.
Nagendran further asked how many meetings the Chief Minister could realistically hold during a four-day visit and what concrete investment commitments had emerged from the trip.
He said Vijay should provide details after returning to Tamil Nadu.
"If it is a personal trip, there is nothing to say. But if he has gone to attract investments, he should explain whom he met and how much investment is expected," Nagendran said.
The London visit has also given the DMK fresh ammunition to attack the Vijay government over its handling of issues in Tamil Nadu.
Udhayanidhi Stalin alleged that people were facing multiple problems under the present government, with new issues emerging every day. He cited power cuts and electricity shortages and also raised concerns over law and order.
"In the history of Tamil Nadu, we have never seen such an uncivilised and such a dummy Chief Minister as this," Udhayanidhi said.
He alleged that the Chief Minister was unable to answer questions on these issues and accused the government of making defamatory remarks against him, his party and his leader instead of addressing them.- EndsPublished By: Ajmal Published On: Sep 14, 2026 13:46 IST
