Crowds at TVK meets won’t convert into votes: Murugan

Trichy: Union minister of state for information & broadcasting L Murugan has said people view Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay as an actor and not as a political leader. He was reviewing arrangements for NDA's public meeting to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Panjapur in Trichy city on Mar 11."Vijay once opposed freebies, but he is announcing freebies now. People view cinema actors just as stars. Vijay is not a proven politician; he is just facing his maiden election." he said here on Sunday. "Similar gatherings were there for actors Chiranjeevi in Andhra Pradesh, and Vijayakant when they launched political parties. The crowd that gathers for TVK will not convert into votes. It stopped with MGR in Tamil Nadu," Murugan said.The Union minister said that at least 7 lakh people are expected to attend the PM's election rally, including a sizeable crowd from BJP allies AIADMK, AMMK, and PMK. He added that NDA is gaining a foothold in the poll-bound state, and the PM's third visit to TN, after attending rallies in Madurantakam and Madurai, will only bolster support further for the alliance.To a question on CM Stalin's statement claiming BJP may oust Edappadi K Palaniswami from AIADMK general secretary's post, Murugan said the CM is making such statements in fear of defeat in the assembly election.Regarding protocol lapse alleged in welcoming President Droupadi Murmu in West Bengal, Murugan said TMC, which is part of INDIA bloc, disrespected the President, as neither the CM nor any ministers turned up to welcome the constitutional head of the country.