CHENNAI: Candidates backed by the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI) made a significant debut in the urban local body elections following their success a few months ago in the rural polls.
Though the actor himself did not canvass for votes and the candidates were independents with different symbols, around ten of them have won in municipalities and town panchayats. And in many wards they came third or even second.
G Mohanraj, VMI's Ranipet district president, won by 158votes over the DMK, the AIADMK, the BJP and the PMK in ward number 3 in Walajapet municipality. "The success is not only the result of an intense campaign done in the last four weeks. We have been working for the welfare of the people in the locality for years now. This included scholarships for students, addressing civic concerns and medical camps," he said.
He, however, refused to comment when asked whether Vijay contacted him on his success or discussed future plans.
Political commentator 'Aazhi' Senthilnathan said that youth, who have already done some productive work at the grassroot level, need a label or organisation to grow. But parties such as the DMK or the AIADMK, which already have locally influential leaders, will not be able to give them seats. So, they end up joining parties floated by actors like Kamal Haasan, Vijayakanth or Seeman.
"Victory of these candidates does not mean any notable political change. It is not right to say that the actor's stature has grown because of this, particularly when Vijay himself has not endorsed the party in public. Such small victories have happened in the past and can happen to any other actor tomorrow. Sooner or later, they will end up joining AIADMK or DMK once they grow,” he said.
A few of the actor's critics said his success can be measured only when Vijay officially launches a political party. Ramu Manivannan, professor and head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at the University of Madras said Vijay has taken a leaf out of Rajinkanth's attempt to enter politics and at the same time he wants to keep his movie career intact.
