Vijay gets on to field, gives aid to flood-hit in Nellai

THOOTHUKUDI: Amid growing rumours about his political entry, Kollywood actor Vijay visited the flood-hit Tirunelveli on Saturday and distributed relief materials, raising many an eyebrow in political circles.

Vijay, through his fan club Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (TVMI), distributed relief materials, including essential commodities for a few hundred families from Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts, and the crowd gathering went out of control, injuring half a dozen people who had thronged the venue.

Drawing parallel to the likes of MGR and Vijayakant, Vijay did something similar; he grabbed the attention of an elderly woman who failed to recognise the actor when she walked ahead of him. The actor smiled at her and called her to get the relief materials.

Exuding happiness and lauding the gesture of actor, R Sugumar, a member of TVMI from Tirunelveli town said, “The government and many political parties are providing relief materials to us in the environment where our livelihoods were affected due to the torrential rain and subsequent floods. But we never expected that our Thalaivar, the Thalapathy himself would come and help us. Three days ago, they (TVMI) informed me that Thalapathy was coming to Tirunelveli. When I was wondering if I could see him, it was satisfying to receive relief aid from his hand. He is a man of simplicity and we are enthralled.”

Maharajan, joint secretary of TVMI, Tirunelveli said, “Our Thalapathy distributed rice and groceries to more than 1,500 people. He also gave Rs 50,000 each to Valli, Isakki and Rs 25,000 to Sankaran who lost their houses and Rs 25,000 each to 30 people whose houses were damaged.”

Political commentator R Mani said the actor is eyeing the 2026 Assembly elections and is holding various events across TN. “That the actor is working for the benefit and the interests of the people is laudable,” he added.