Actor Vijay's party conference: Fans and supporters faint in severe heat as lakhs throng Vikravandi for TVK's debut meet

Fans and supporters of actor Vijay poured in their thousands to Tamil Nadu's Vikravandi on Sunday for Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) debut conference. Over two lakh people are expected to attend the mega-conference at Villupuram district, which will see the actor reveal the party's ideology. 

People started pouring into the venue on Saturday evening, triggering traffic chaos on the roads leading to the venue. As thousands of vehicles started pouring in, authorities did away with toll collection for the day at Ulundurpet, Vikravandi and Ongur toll plazas to prevent traffic congestion, reported local media. 

Though Vijay had warned people and volunteers to be wary of the heat and take precautions for the same, many fainted due to the heat wave. A video doing rounds on social media showed a man collapsing in the severe heat and being tended by volunteers. 

Many were also seen holding chairs above their heads to ward off searing heat rays.

Amid reports that there wasn't enough water and snacks for the lakhs of participants, party volunteers said they are doing everything to ensure basic amenities. "We will be providing water bottles and snack packets. We kindly request your cooperation and patience as we bring the items from the vehicles. Please pass them along instead of throwing them," said TVK general secretary Bussy Anand was quoted by DT Next. 

Though the conference was said to start at 4 pm, the TVK announced it was advancing the meeting to 3 pm. 

Enthused party workers told reporters that they were excited to listen to their leader. "Today is the biggest day of celebration for the people of Tamil Nadu. Our party leader Vijay started the party to make social, economic and political changes. Today he will be addressing us, we are excited to listen to him. We are sure in 2026 he will become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu," a party worker told ANI.