Vikravandi meet to test reel star Vijay’s real popularity

Vikravandi meet to test reel star Vijay’s real popularity 

Fans, Cadres Pray Rain Stays Away On Sunday 

BoscoDominique@timesofindia.com 26.10.2024 

Villupuram : The monsoon has set in but fans of actorturned-politician Vijay are praying it does not rain on Sunday when the maiden public conference of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, the party founded by him, is scheduled to be held at Vikravandi in Villupuram district. So frevent is the hope that a man from a nearby village and his three children visit the venue every evening to light the ‘agal vilakku’ (clay diya), praying to the gods to show mercy and help in the smooth conduct of the conference. TVK general secretary N Anand tied a sacred thread on the ‘panthal kaal’ (wooden pole) where bhoomi pooja was performed, praying that it does not rain on the conference day. “My three sons are hardcore Vijay fans. It is raining almost daily, particularly in the evenings here at Vikravandi. They are worried the rain will play spoilsport,” said Pandian, a fan of actor Rajnikanth, who decided to comfort his three sons, who are Vijay’s fans. 

“Divine intervention will ensure the smooth and successful conduct of Vijay’s conference. We have been lighting ‘agal vilakku’ at the conference venue daily since Oct 14, praying to god that it does not rain on the conference day,” said Pandian. The venue wears a festive look as people, irrespective of age groups, and many women from neighbouring villages gather to watch the preparations. A heavy posse of police force in uniform and plain clothes has been deployed to oversee the arrangements and prevent any violations. The highlight of the arrangements includes a 100-feet high mast for the party’s flag to be hoisted by Vijay and giant-sized cutouts of popular leaders, including late social reformist E V Ramasamy, fondly revered as Thanthai Periyar, late chief minister and Congress stalwart K Kamaraj, and dalit icon B R Ambedkar, to indicate the party’s political vision and stance. 

Meanwhile, Vijay, in his third open letter on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, appealed to his party cadres and fans to take the first step with 2026 assembly election. “Let us hold the conference with the highest political discipline, dignity, and order to let the entire world witness our victory principal festivity. Come safe, carrying our party flags in your hands and hearts. I am waiting to receive one and all with outstretched arms and an open heart,” he said in the letter.