Velankanni priest says Basilica was not informed about TVK chief Vijay’s plan to visit shrine on May 2

The administration of the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health has expressed concern over the circulation of misinformation regarding prayers at the shrine and criticised cadres of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for raising slogans of their party name and party leader’s name inside the church premises. It said the party had not expressed any regret over the incident that occurred on Saturday (May 2, 2026).

Addressing reporters on Sunday (May 3), parish priest Rev. Fr. Arputharaj said that reports had circulated on May 2 that TVK leader Vijay would visit the Velankanni shrine around 5 a.m. However, the church administration had not received any official communication.