VCK leader says Vijay will not impact TN politics and DMK alliance is growing

Chennai: VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan on Saturday played down TVK leader and actor Vijay's political prospects, saying the actor would not make an impact in Tamil Nadu politics as voters in the state are "politically aware" and no longer swayed by cinema popularity.

Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport, Thirumavalavan said the media was giving Vijay "extra attention" only because of his star status, calling it a "pre-meditated plan" to build a narrative ahead of the assembly election. "But it will fall flat. He is not going to make an impact in TN politics. Our electors are politically conscious," he said.


The VCK leader brushed aside Congress MP Jothimani's remark that TVK could record a strong vote share and even emerge as the runner-up in several seats, saying it was her "personal opinion". Predicting outcomes now was meaningless, he said, adding, "People alone are the authority."

Thirumavalavan asserted that DMK-led alliance remained intact and was "growing from strength to strength", with more partners joining the front. The combine would register a "massive victory" in the assembly election, he said. "There is no other alliance that is on a par with DMK front," he said.

On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's frequent visits to Tamil Nadu, he said there was "nothing surprising", adding that PM would campaign often in the state. He noted that AIADMK-BJP-led alliance was yet to begin seat-sharing talks.