CM Vijay’s Assembly reply sparks rush for visitor passes in Tamil Nadu

The prospect of watching Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay speak in the Tamil Nadu Assembly has triggered an unusual surge in demand for visitor passes, with students and members of the public rushing to secure seats ahead of his scheduled reply on Monday.

The heightened interest comes as Vijay is set to respond on September 7 to the debate on demands for grants for the Home Department, a key portfolio covering policing, law and order, public safety and internal security.

By Saturday evening, online reservations for school and college visitors had nearly reached capacity, reflecting the growing curiosity surrounding the Chief Minister's appearance in the House.

Assembly officials said the 11 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. viewing slot was already fully booked, while only a handful of seats remained in the 10.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. slot as of 7.30 p.m. Saturday.

Officials attributed the rush largely to Vijay's presence in the Assembly and the importance of the Home Department debate. His response is expected to draw particular attention as the government faces scrutiny over issues linked to law and order, policing and public safety.

For many visitors, however, the attraction goes beyond the debate itself. Vijay's transition from a hugely popular film star to the head of the state government has generated considerable public curiosity, with people keen to see him perform his political and legislative role inside the Assembly.

Students seeking to watch the proceedings must register through the dedicated visitor facility on the Assembly's official website. Seats are allotted subject to availability and the prescribed entry regulations.

The Assembly provides visitors with two types of viewing arrangements. Eight box-style galleries offer five seats each, while benches positioned on both sides of the hall can accommodate around 100 to 150 people at a time.

An Assembly official said visitor numbers have increased significantly since the TVK-led government assumed office, with the footfall rising further whenever Vijay attends a session.

"Between 2,000 and 3,000 people now watch the Assembly proceedings each day," the official said, clarifying that the figure represents visitors across different viewing slots and not the number seated inside the galleries at any one time.

The growing turnout also signals a renewed interest among young people in legislative proceedings and the functioning of the new government. For students in particular, an Assembly visit offers an opportunity to witness first-hand how debates on governance, public safety and policy unfold beyond textbooks and political rallies.

Monday's near-full booking therefore reflects more than demand for a limited number of gallery seats. It highlights the public attention surrounding Vijay's administration and the growing interest in seeing the Chief Minister navigate one of the most closely watched responsibilities of his government.

With the most popular viewing slot already filled and the remaining seats fast disappearing, the Assembly galleries are expected to be packed when Vijay rises to deliver his reply.

(Except the headline, this article has not been edited by Education Post)