Former AIADMK Leader Claims Actor Vijay Is Inheriting MGR's Political Legacy in Tamil Nadu

Chennai:

Former AIADMK leader KA Sengottaiyan, who recently joined actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, revealed to NDTV that he perceives similarities between MG Ramachandran (MGR) - the legendary Tamil actor, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, and AIADMK founder - and his new political leader.

In his interview, Sengottaiyan expressed confidence that 51-year-old Vijay, who will make his electoral debut in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election, is poised to inherit MGR's significant political legacy.

"Regarding whether I see MGR in Vijay, let me clarify. When MGR established his party, critics predicted it would last merely '100 days like a film.' However, his leadership proved unbeatable. He made history by winning elections while being 10,000 km away," Sengottaiyan explained.

"Looking at Vijay today, he follows the path set by our revolutionary leader MGR. His campaign vehicle displays portraits of both MGR and Annadurai, and his political journey will succeed." When specifically asked if this meant MGR's legacy would transfer to Vijay, he confirmed, "Yes."

Actor Vijay (L) welcomes KA Sengottaiyan to the TVK.

In a symbolic move laden with political significance, Sengottaiyan's first action after joining TVK was to pay respects at memorials dedicated to MGR and his protégé, former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, herself an iconic figure in Tamil cinema and politics.

These memorial visits carry special importance as Sengottaiyan had worked closely with both these influential actor-politicians who continue to command massive fan followings and political support in Tamil Nadu.

The visits also gained significance considering Sengottaiyan's expulsion from AIADMK for urging party chief E Palaniswami (EPS) to reinstate three dismissed leaders - Sasikala, Jayalalithaa's close aide; former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, EPS's rival; and TTV Dhinakaran. Sengottaiyan had insisted all three were essential for reunifying AIADMK and securing electoral victory.

Political analysts view these memorial visits as strategic moves by TVK's new addition - widely acknowledged as a skilled political strategist - to consolidate public support for Vijay's political ambitions.

Sengottaiyan also paid respects at CN Annadurai's memorial, the founder of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). With DMK and AIADMK being the two major political forces in Tamil Nadu, Vijay has made a politically astute decision by publicly claiming inspiration from both revered leaders - MGR and Annadurai - in an effort to appeal to the broadest possible voter base.