This Illaiya dalapati might just become one

Tamil movie hero secretly meets Rahul Gandhi, may head Tamil Nadu Youth Congress

Tamil movie hero secretly meets Rahul Gandhi, may head Tamil Nadu Youth Congress

Tamil actor Vijay quietly went to Delhi and met Rahul Gandhi two days ago.

The Congress needs a fresh young face, and Rahul has been talking of bringing youthful energy to the party.

Observers are putting two and two together, and assuming Vijay will be the young face Rahul is looking for.

The Congress isn't doing too well in the south, and its influence in Tamil Nadu has waned.

The Congress tried to rope in actor Vijayakanth, who has strengthened his votes considerably in the last two elections. The party backed off when it realised such a step would displease ally DMK.

Vijay may be a better bet for the Congress, since he is on good terms with the DMK.

Vijay's father S A Chandrashekaran, once active in the DMK, is pushing his son in the direction of the politics. In the last six months, fan clubs have been pressing the actor in the same direction.

Actor Vijay

Sound speculation

Main hoon na: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi

Last month, Vijay told fans it was time for them to serve the people.

Chandrashekaran has been mentoring his son to take an active role in public life.

Speculation was rife that Vijay would join the ruling DMK. Last week, Pondicherry chief minister Vaithiyalingam shared the stage with Vijay and S A Chandrashekaran.

Vijay announced several promises to the 50,000 plus people who had gathered at the rally. He also announced he would join politics.

This surprised the Congress and Pondicherry leaders took the idea to their party high command in Delhi.

That prompted Rahul's summons, a source said.

The meeting was spread over two hours. "We expect the high command to announce the post of president of the youth wing for Vijay," a party worker told MiD DAY over the phone.

Rahul and Vijay had already been in touch via email.