After Kangana-support tweet, Vishal on BJP radar

Recently, BJP had appointed actors Namitha and Radha Ravi as State-level functionaries but it’s effort to bring in bigger names had not been successful so far. But it has not given up hopes, apparently approaching some of the noted names in Tamil film industry to join it ahead of elections.

“BJP had earlier approached actor Sivakarthikeyan, who politely refused the offer. Vishal has been promised a ticket to contest the upcoming State elections,” a source told DT Next.

This comes a day after when Vishal voiced his support for Kangana Ranaut after she locked horns with the Maharashtra government and Mumbai civic body, both ruled by Shiv Sena. Vishal is not unfamiliar with scraps, having locked horns with the influential section of Nadigar Sangam and Tamil Nadu Film Producers’ Council – and even the State government – when he was helming the two associations.

When contacted, one of BJP’s State unit vice presidents Vanathi Srinivasan said, “We welcome Vishal’s comments supporting Kangana Ranaut. He is a popular star among the youth in Tamil Nadu, whose moral support to Maharashtra BJP shows that stars and celebrities are being attracted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.” Asked if the State unit would invite the actor to join the party, she said the BJP was inviting not only actors like Vishal, but other celebrities and common public to join nation-building and ignore the Dravidian parties. Several actors have entered Tamil Nadu politics, but usually only in DMK or AIADMK, Vanathi said, adding that things have changed now. “The BJP is emerging as a strong option for those from cinema and cultural spheres,” she said.