‘I don’t reply to unaddressed letter...’ Kamal Haasan reacts to Vijay’s remarks

Chennai: Responding to remarks made by actor and TVK leader Vijay at his party’s Madurai conference, Tamil superstar and Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan said he does not answer statements not directed at him

What did Vijay say at the TVK conference?

At his party’s second major political conference, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay addressed a huge crowd and hit back at critics who mocked him as only a film star.

He insisted that his political role was not born out of personal setbacks or ambition.

“Unlike seasoned politicians, I have not entered politics for gain or after retirement, but out of gratitude to the people. You are my life. I came for you, and this Vijay will be true,” he said

He told supporters that it was not actors but politicians who had defeated leaders like Ambedkar, Kamaraj and Nallakannu. He added that not all politicians were intelligent and not all film stars were fools.

Declaring himself the “face and soul” of TVK, Vijay said, “Vijay is the candidate in all 234 constituencies. If you vote for my candidates, it is like voting for me.”

What was Kamal Haasan’s response?

When reporters asked Kamal Haasan about Vijay’s remarks, the Makkal Needhi Maiam chief, Rajya Sabha MP and fellow actor, replied with a sharp counter-question. He asked the journalists if Vijay had mentioned his name directly and said, “Has he mentioned anyone’s name? Why should I reply to a letter without an address?”

Kamal Haasan also made it clear that he had no hostility towards Vijay, calling him like a brother.

How did Vijay envision the political path ahead?

Vijay, while addressing the massive audience, declared that TVK would form an alliance for the 2026 elections and share power with partners after the polls. He sought to inspire confidence by telling the crowd that Tamil Nadu was ready for a new political force.

He added, “Is it possible to seize power, they ask. Vijay’s group is one that will hunt down anti-people rulers in the upcoming elections and pave the way for Fort St George.”

Comparing himself to a lion, the actor-politician said, “The lion’s roar is heard miles away. It hunts only the strong and living, never preys on the weak or rotten. A lion may be alone, but it fears nothing. It always remains the king of the jungle. This is not just a description but also a declaration.”

The event was attended by party leaders including N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna, Venkatraman, KG Arunraj and CTR Nirmal Kumar, with organisers claiming that over five lakh people had gathered to hear him.