Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has criticised Chief Minister Joseph Vijay’s recent visit to the United Kingdom, questioning the economic value of seeking investments in London. He urged the state government to focus on businesses in Tamil Nadu and other major Indian cities before organising overseas investment missions.
Vijay led a state delegation on a six-day UK visit from September 10 to attract investments and explore opportunities in industries and motorsports. The Tamil Nadu government said the visit generated commitments worth nearly Rs 15,300 crore and could create more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Annamalai, however, argued that India’s growing economy offered stronger investment opportunities. Comparing the size and growth of the Indian and British economies, he questioned why a large delegation had travelled to the UK. He described London as a “dead economy” and claimed that Britain’s low growth rate limited its ability to support major investments abroad.
Annamalai said Vijay should travel to industrial centres such as Madurai, Coimbatore and Kovilpatti and hold discussions with local business leaders. He suggested that the government could encourage companies to expand their production facilities by offering tax incentives and other forms of support.
According to him, Coimbatore’s textile mills, automobile businesses and foundries have significant expansion potential. He also urged the government to engage with the Madurai Chamber of Commerce and entrepreneurs operating across southern Tamil Nadu. Annamalai said investment outreach could also be conducted in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. He argued that domestic companies and existing investors were ready to expand if the state provided suitable policies and incentives.
The London visit attracted political criticism after photographs showed Vijay at the Silverstone Motor Racing Circuit with actor and racing driver Ajith Kumar and actress Trisha. Vijay visited the venue as part of follow-up discussions concerning Tamil Nadu’s proposed Motor Sports City. He also flagged off a Michelin Le Mans Cup race in which Ajith participated.
Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran had earlier described the visit as a “pleasure tour” and alleged that some companies presented as new investors were already operating in India. The Tamil Nadu government and Vijay’s TVK rejected the criticism by releasing details of the commitments. These reportedly included an Rs 11,000-crore proposal from Samvardhana Motherson International and agreements covering renewable energy, power-grid equipment and Global Capability Centres.
While continuing his criticism of overseas investment campaigns, Annamalai said Vijay’s newly elected government should be given time to perform. The debate has nevertheless intensified political scrutiny of the Chief Minister’s first foreign visit, with the government highlighting employment and investment prospects while the opposition demands greater attention to local industries.
