Develop a Diverse View, Don't Fall for Propaganda: Actor Vijay to Students in First Speech After Political Plunge

Giving away prizes to top performers in Class 10 and Class 12, actor Vijay also flagged the increasing drug use among youngsters and urged students to remain vigilant against substance abuse. (PTI/File)

In his first public speech since announcing his decision to venture into politics, Tamil actor Vijay urged youth to develop diverse views on political developments and not be misled by propaganda on social media. He also flagged the increasing drug use among youngsters and urged students to remain vigilant against substance abuse.

Giving away prizes to top performers in Class 10 and Class 12, Vijay told students to develop an analytical frame of mind to view political developments around them. He warned that social media has become a platform for “dubious operators” to show “good people in a bad light”, and portray evil forces as do-gooders. This puts impressionable people, particularly youngsters, vulnerable to propaganda, he said.

“Students should develop a diverse view of their political environment, not be misled by propaganda on social media,” the actor said.

He also appeared to drive home the point that participative politics is the way forward, with students not just using their votes during elections but also actively involving themselves in political work.

“Tamil Nadu has stalwarts in every field – medicine, engineering. What it lacks is good leaders. Well-educated, accomplished students should enter politics,” Vijay said.

Vijay also urged students to take the pledge and say “no to drugs”. “There has been an increase of drug abuse among youngsters. It is scary to take stock of the drug situation in this state. While I’m not here to fault this government, it is clear that we need to remain vigilant,” he said.

Vijay’s speech highlighting drug abuse comes in the wake of the tragic death of 63 people in Kallakurichi district after consuming spurious liquor.

Tamil Nadu is gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections. The state had so far seen a bipolar contest with both the Dravidian parties leading from the front. Vijay’s entry into politics may change the political landscape. His party, the Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, has already begun groundwork for the state assembly polls.

Sources say the actor is likely to launch his party symbol by December this year.

Both DMK and AIADMK are keenly watching Vijay’s entry into politics and whether it would have an impact on their electoral fortunes.

Speculation is also rife that Vijay will favorably consider an alliance with Naam Tamilar Katchi, a Tamil nationalist party that scored over 8% votes in the recent parliamentary polls.