'Haven’t acted since entering politics,' Vijay slams those dismissing him as just an actor ahead of TN polls

Thalapathy Vijay

Actor and politician Vijay, who also leads the Tamilaga Vettri KazhagamTVK), delivered a strong and fiery speech in Chennai as the Tamil Nadu elections approach. Addressing critics who reduce him to "just an actor," Vijay responded with sarcasm, saying it's hardly a revelation. He asserted that while he may be an actor by profession, he has not "acted" in politics, instead accusing his opponents of indulging in theatrics.

Vijay on being termed just an actor

At the public gathering, which took place in Chennai on Tuesday, Vijay seemed annoyed as he said sarcastically, "There's this minister who keeps saying, Vijay is an actor, Vijay is an actor…Yes, I am an actor. It's as if he has discovered something new." He, however, spoke about his future in politics, adding, "But I haven't acted in politics. I haven't acted since entering politics. What you're doing is performing drama over drama, shall we call you actors and actresses then?"

Vijay appeals young voters to vote for his party

The TVK Chief further appealed to voters to vote for the whistle symbol.

"I appeal to all the little children - like you ask for chocolates from your mother, father, elder brother, or relatives, in the same way ask them to vote for the Whistle symbol," adding, "If they do not go to vote, blow a whistle in their ears politely and ask them to go and vote for the Whistle symbol," Vijay said.

Referring to polling trends, he said, "Do not believe surveys and other such things. This election will be a Whistle wave and a successful election for TVK."

Vijay on Karur stampede

On the Karur incident, Vijay said, "Regarding the Karur incident: CM Stalin said he will not blame me, but he blamed me in the Tamil Nadu assembly that because of my late arrival in Karur, a stampede happened. I reached Karur on time, which the police gave. The whole world watched it live when I came to Karur from Namakkal. Do you want me to leave without meeting people there waiting for me?"

He further alleged political targeting, saying, "If you (Stalin) are not afraid on TVK, why did you make your loyalist Senthil Balaji run and contest in Coimbatore instead of Karur? I want the people to deliver justice."

The state is set to go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with the counting of votes scheduled for May 4.