Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s week-long visit to London has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, who have questioned the transparency and primary objective of the official trip.
Vijay, who departed for London on September 10 accompanied by cabinet colleague Aadhav Arjuna and state government officials, is scheduled to return on September 17. The state government initially framed the visit as an effort to attract foreign investments to Tamil Nadu. However, opposition figures claim the itinerary has prioritized private engagements over investment meetings.
Opposition leaders from the DMK, AIADMK, CPI(M), and BJP pointed to photographs circulating online from a motor racing event at the Silverstone circuit. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan alleged that while the stated intent was securing investment, the Chief Minister primarily attended the car race of actor Ajith Kumar.
AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami noted that no official photographs or updates regarding business investment meetings have been released. Instead, Palaniswami said, public updates have focused strictly on the Chief Minister’s attendance at the racing venue.
Demands for financial and policy transparency have also emerged. CPI(M) state secretary P Shanmugam called on the administration to issue a white paper detailing all foreign and domestic investments received since the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government took office on May 10, citing a lack of clarity in official claims. Additionally, BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran demanded that the state release the full list of delegation participants and a complete accounting of public funds spent on the trip.
In response to the criticism, government representatives and allies defended the overseas visit. A government official stated that visiting the facility allows the administration to examine advanced technology, athletic requirements, and organizational arrangements necessary for hosting international motor races, thereby expanding opportunities for Indian athletes.
MDMK MP Durai Vaiko also defended the Chief Minister, stating that the trip aims to attract corporate investments, generate employment, and strengthen motor sports infrastructure in Tamil Nadu. Vaiko added that details and photographs of meetings held with corporate leaders would be published in due course.
Sources
– [Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/vijay-london-visit-silverstone-ajith-kumar-tamil-nadu-investment-opposition-criticism-dmk-aiadmk-bjp-101789363112757.html)
Source: Hindustan Times – India News
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Story synopsis gathered from: Hindustan Times – India News — source
