Don’t accept money for votes, actor Vijay tells students at event in Chennai

Asked about the actor’s debut into politics, the minister said anyone has a right to enter the political arena.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan, an ally of the ruling DMK, welcomed the actor’s request to students to acquire knowledge on the social reformers.

‘Don’t accept money for votes’

Felicitating toppers of Classes 10 and 12 from the state at a function in Neelangarai in Chennai, Vijay said: “Ask your parents to vote without accepting bribes 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 their own eyes with their hands” by accepting money for votes.

“Consider a politician who gives ₹1,000 to a voter in a constituency that has 1.5 lakh voters. How much he must have given as a bribe —nearly ₹15 crore? If a person gives a bribe of ₹15 crore, think how much he must have earned before that. I want all this to be a part of your educational system,” the popular actor said as the students who had gathered gave a rousing applause.

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‘Go beyond bookish knowledge’

Also, Vijay exhorted the young minds not to stop acquiring bookish knowledge but go beyond it and learn about all the leaders including BR Ambedkar, EVR Periyar, and K Kamaraj and imbue only their good aspects.

“I have one small request to make. Do spend time with those who could not succeed in their exams. Tell them passing exams is easy and encourage them,” he said.

“Also never take wrong decisions, take bold decisions. As you go up in life, handle the freedom that you get with self-discipline, and have fun in life but don’t give up your identity. Our life is in our hands,” Vijay advised.

Unlike the toppers, the actor mentioned that he was never a bright student. “I was not a bright student like you, but only an average just pass student. My journey has been in the direction of cinemas…remember, education will be complete only if you give importance to your character and thinking ability,” he added.

His fans association —Thalapathy Vijay Makkal Iyakkam — which transformed into a welfare organisation, contested the 2021 civic polls in the state and won 115 seats out of 169 it contested.

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