Singling out actor Vijay’s recent political foray, former ADMK Minister SP Shanmuganathan expressed doubts about the long-term success of actors in Tamil Nadu’s political scene, citing past failures by celebrities like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan. Shanmuganathan also questioned the BJP’s ability to maintain power without alliances in Tamil Nadu.
Shanmuganathan, participating in a party programme in Thoothukudi’s Sathankulam area, launched a scathing critique of actors entering politics, mainly focusing on Vijay’s recent political launch with Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).
During the event, where he distributed digital membership cards to party members, Shanmuganathan expressed scepticism about the success of actors in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. “Many actors have entered politics since MGR’s time. I don’t know where they all went,” he remarked, referencing past attempts by celebrities like Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan.
The AIADMK Thoothukudi South District Secretary specifically targeted Vijay, stating, “Now Vijay has entered politics. He is influential. They say a percentage of votes will go to him. But he could only stay for a couple of years. Can’t even handle an election.” Shanmuganathan claimed only about 10 Vijay fans are in the town, suggesting this number wouldn’t be enough for political success.
He also highlighted the challenges faced by other actor-turned-politicians, noting that even Vijayakanth could only rise to the status of Leader of Opposition through an alliance with AIADMK. “This is Tamil Nadu politics,” he emphasized.
The former minister didn’t limit his criticism to actors. He also took aim at the BJP, questioning their ability to retain power without alliances. “Look at BJP… 300 seats before election they said it is this. But look now… Nitish Kumar is holding hands to run the government. Chandrababu Naidu holds hands. Without both of them, the BJP will be unable to retain power now,” Shanmuganathan stated.
He concluded by asserting that the BJP has no significant influence in Tamil Nadu, pointing to their inability to win recent by-elections in various constituencies after the Lok Sabha polls.
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