Archive · 16 Sep 2026
AIADMK Leader Questions Purpose of Vijay’s London Investment Trip
R.B. Udhayakumar questioned the purpose of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s trip to London.
He wanted to know whether the trip was mainly to bring investments to Tamil Nadu or to improve Vijay’s political image.
He said the government gave few details about meetings with business leaders.
The government announced an investment agreement worth Rs.
12,300 crore during the visit.
Udhayakumar said the agreement with the Motherson Group could have been signed in Chennai.
He also questioned why the industries minister did not travel with the Chief Minister.
He asked the government to reveal the trip’s expenses and the names of people who accompanied Vijay.
He further criticized plans for a new Secretariat costing Rs.
1,200 crore while the state’s debt was reported at about Rs.
11 lakh crore.
R.B. Udhayakumar questioned whether Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s six-day London visit focused on investment or political image-building.
He said details of industrialist meetings and firm investment commitments were scarce during the trip.
An MoU involving Rs. 12,300 crore in investments was announced on Monday after Opposition leaders and economic experts sought greater clarity.
Udhayakumar questioned why the Motherson Group agreement was signed in London and why the industries minister did not join the visit.
He also sought transparency on trip expenses and criticized the proposed Rs. 1,200 crore Secretariat amid Tamil Nadu’s reported Rs. 11 lakh crore debt burden.
- Who
- Senior AIADMK leader and former minister R.B. Udhayakumar questioned Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s London visit.
- What
- He questioned the trip’s purpose, investment disclosures, participants, expenses, and related government spending.
- When
- Udhayakumar raised the questions on Tuesday; the Rs. 12,300 crore MoU was announced on Monday.
- Where
- The disputed visit was to London, while the agreement could, according to Udhayakumar, have been signed in Chennai.
- Why
- Udhayakumar said it was unclear whether the trip was intended to attract investments or enhance Vijay’s political image.
- Trip duration
- Six days
- Announced investment MoU
- Rs. 12,300 crore
- Company involved
- Motherson Group
- Motherson facilities in Tamil Nadu
- 32 operational plants, according to Udhayakumar
- Proposed Secretariat cost
- Rs. 1,200 crore
- Tamil Nadu debt cited
- Around Rs. 11 lakh crore
- Other meeting mentioned
- Vijay met actor Ajith Kumar at the Silverstone motor racing circuit