CHENNAI: Popular actor Vijay, amidst speculation that he may make an electoral debut, on Saturday, urged students to ask their parents to vote in elections without accepting bribes and see the transformation for themselves.
Felicitating toppers of Classes 10 and 12 from the state at a function in Neelangarai here, Vijay said: “Ask your parents to vote without accepting bribe during the elections. Try, you may succeed and see the change.”
The students who will soon become first-time voters should realise the merits of electing a leader without accepting cash for votes. “When this happens, your education becomes complete,” he said.
Vijay cautioned them “against poking own eyes with their hands” by accepting money for votes.
“Consider a politician who gives Rs 1,000 to a voter in a constituency that has 1.5 lakh voters. How much he must have given as bribe -- nearly 15 crore? If a person gives a bribe of Rs 15 crore, how much he must have earned. I want all this to be a part of your educational system,” the popular actor said as the the students who had gathered at the venue gave a rousing applause.
Also, he exhorted the young minds not to stop with acquiring bookish knowledge but go beyond it and learn about all the leaders including BR Ambedkar, EVR Periyar, K Kamaraj and imbue their good aspects.
Anyone can enter politics: Udhay
Actor Vijay’s passionate appeal appeared to have earned the appreciation from Youth Welfare Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. “He has said a good thing. What’s your problem?” Udhayanidhi shot back when reporters sought his reaction to Vijay’s appeal. Asked about the actor’s debut into politics, the Minister said anyone has the right to enter the political arena.