Madurai, Oct 30:
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday took a veiled dig at Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, suggesting that actor Dhanush might consider entering politics after witnessing Vijay’s electoral success.
Responding to reporters’ questions about Dhanush’s reported political ambitions, Palaniswami said the actor’s film career and fan following could encourage him to try his luck in politics, just as Vijay had done. However, he declined to elaborate, stressing that anyone had the democratic right to launch a political party.
Speculation about Dhanush’s political plans has intensified following the activities of his fan-turned-welfare organisation, Dhanush Narpani Iyakkam (DNI). The organisation is reportedly preparing to encourage its members to contest the next local body elections in their individual capacities to assess their electoral strength and build a grassroots network.
The proposed move is seen as an attempt to gauge the organisation’s political potential before any decision on a formal entry into electoral politics. DNI is also focusing on expanding its support base among women, with plans to organise meetings across Tamil Nadu.
Vijay’s political journey has become a reference point for discussions about actors entering electoral politics. Before launching the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay’s fan organisation contested the 2021 rural local body elections, winning 115 of the 169 seats it contested.
Palaniswami also avoided commenting on silver lamps bearing the lotus emblem that were reportedly distributed to women functionaries at a meeting organised by Dhanush’s organisation in Chennai. The gesture has prompted speculation about a possible political alignment, though no formal announcement has been made.
Meanwhile, the AIADMK leader launched a broadside against the TVK government, alleging that Tamil Nadu was facing power shortages, rising prices and a deterioration in law and order.
He claimed that the State was struggling to secure adequate electricity and was being forced to consider expensive power purchases. Comparing procurement rates under successive governments, Palaniswami said electricity had been purchased at Rs 4.75 to Rs 6.35 per unit during the AIADMK regime, while rates had ranged from Rs 11.50 to Rs 20 per unit during the previous DMK government’s tenure.
He also criticised the government over the proposed procurement of electricity at rates as high as Rs 41.50 per unit, arguing that public money should not be spent on costly purchases.
Palaniswami further accused the government of burdening consumers through price increases, citing Aavin’s decision to raise the prices of sweets and savouries ahead of Deepavali.
The actor has not officially announced plans to launch a political party. Any assessment of his electoral prospects will depend on whether his organisation can translate its fan following and welfare activities into a sustained political network.