Addressing the media, after launching his first round of campaign in Vellalapalayam near Gobichettipalayam in Erode, Sengottaiyan said people have wholeheartedly accepted Vijay as their leader.

“Even without inducements, people are assembling in large numbers, which is evidence of a changing political climate. This kind of reception is unmatched by any leader in India,” he said.

Drawing parallels with late chief minister M G Ramachandran, the TVK leader said the kind of mass appeal Vijay enjoys is reminiscent of the iconic leaders popularity.

Claiming that Vijay had defied security concerns to directly engage with the public, the NTK leader said even when police warned that adequate security could not be ensured if stepped out of his vehicle, the actor turned politician chose to meet people, moved by their enthusiasm. However, he expressed dissatisfaction over security arrangements.