Actress Vinodhini Vaidyanathan, who was Vijay's co-star in Jilla, feels that he should've stayed in cinema instead of entering politics.
In a statement, Vinodhini, noted for her appearances in Aandavan Kattalai and Ponniyin Selvan, wrote: "I love Vijay sir the actor. I worked with him in Jilla. When I got down from the stage after receiving Vikatan award for Aandavan Kattalai, he was seated in the first row. I went up to him, showed him the award, took his wishes and only then went back to my seat. So much love was showered upon him by the people of Tamilnadu when he was only an actor. He was the undisputed leader of the film industry. Why oh why did he have to enter politics? (sic)"
Addressing Vijay as her "brother," Vinodhini wondered how he was going to handle the guilt. While describing him as an "extremely nice person at heart," she added that "the hate he is receiving now feels personal."
She also declined to make any comments on his political career or opinions as she doesn't agree with the party's ideologies.
Imploring everyone to "not get consumed by hate," she added, "I’m sure he is truly devastated by the deaths of so many innocent people. Please don’t politicise this situation. Let us mourn the deaths of these innocent souls in deep sorrow. Let us not be consumed by hate. Please."
The Karur rally stampede
On Saturday, tragedy struck at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief actor-politician Vijay's rally in Karur, leading to the death of at least 40 people, including a few children.
Thousands of supporters of the actor-politician gathered at the venue to listen to Vijay, leading to a stampede-like situation. According to media reports, the crowd swelled and became uncontrollable even as Vijay was addressing the gathering.
According to eyewitnesses, around 7.45 pm, a large number of people thronged the ‘Velicham Veliyeru’ ('Let There Be Light') event in Velusamypuram, in Karur, dismantling the barricades. In the ensuing melee, children got separated from their parents, and many people were trampled even before the volunteers present there and the police could do anything to help.
A number of people, including party workers and a few children, fainted and fell down, forcing Vijay to halt his speech.
