Chennai: At a time when all eyes are on actors Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth after they announced their entry to politics, now comes Vishal.
Considered the most influential man in Tamil cinema for he is the general secretary of Nadigar Sangam and president of Tamil Film Producers Council, the actor launching a flag which has Mother Teresa on one side and former President Abdul Kalam on the other with Vishal’s thumbs up picture in the middle for his fans association, which has been rechristened as Makkal Nala Iyakkam has surprised many.
When asked, Ganapathy, a political enthusiast, says, “It is already overcrowded here. No one knows what the vote bank of a mass hero like Rajinikanth or veteran Kamal Haasan is. In this scenario, Vishal’s plan to make a mark in politics throws a lot of questions.”
“His jinxed attempt to contest by-elections in RK Nagar recently showed he has a lot to learn before entering the fray formally,” he adds.
Echoing the same, Vettriselvan of Naam Thamizhar Katchi, said, “After a couple of successful films, actors dream of entering politics. The very next moment they want to become Chief Minister. They should serve public for some time and have a vision for their welfare.”
Speaking at an event on Wednesday, Vishal, indirectly hinting at entering politics, said, “It is not a must to become a politician to do good things. Anyone who does a good deed individually is a Chief Minister in Tamilnadu. Irrespective of whether I will be a full-fledged politician or not, I am always behind you all (pointing the public).”
When queried if he would contest in Thiruparankundram by-elections, he said with a smile, “It is yet to be announced. And Madurai being my place (forte), lets see how it goes.”
Speaking to ‘News Today,’ Samuthiram, a retired professor of political science, says, “There is a political vacuum. People are searching for a good leader. Anybody who wants to serve people are most welcome to politics. But how they convert their popularity to votes in the election matters. With no J Jayalalithaa or M Karunanidhi in the picture, it all demands on how the present day leaders reach out to the masses.”