CHENNAI: The All India Congress Committee (AICC)’s professionals wing chairman, Praveen Chakravarty, on Wednesday said TVK leader Vijay has evolved into a formidable political force and people now see him as a politician rather than an actor.
Speaking to the media in Coimbatore, the Congress leader said there is no doubt that people came to Vijay’s rallies with great enthusiasm. “While questions have been raised whether it will translate into votes, it is evident that people now view Vijay not as an actor but as a politician. His transformation into a political force is undeniable,” he said.
On the buzz around his meeting with Vijay, the Congress leader asked, “Shouldn’t two public personalities meet? While I belong to Congress, I have many other roles and identities as well. There is nothing wrong in meeting him. I meet several people in Delhi, but it becomes an issue only when such meetings happen in Tamil Nadu.”
Reiterating his demand for more seats and power share in Tamil Nadu, Chakravarty said these were the aspirations of the cadres to strengthen Congress, which has been out of power for 60 years in Tamil Nadu. “Their demand stems from concern for the party’s future and welfare,” he said.
Responding to differing views expressed by party state president Selvaperunthagai, Praveen Chakravarty launched a veiled attack, saying some MPs and MLAs may have their own compulsions. Citing an English proverb, ‘Don’t bite the hands that feed’, he said that leaders may face constraints arising from constituency responsibilities, restrictions or even legal cases. “However, there is no difference of opinion when it comes to strengthening the party for its future and welfare,” he said.
Responding to a query that demands for power share were being raised merely to create pressure on the alliance, and that the Congress would continue with the DMK, he said that decisions on alliances rest solely with the party high command. “Ours is a democratic party, and cadres are free to raise demands. However, the final decision will be taken only by the party’s leadership,” he said.