'Public acceptance Vijay enjoys is similar to support MGR and Jayalalithaa received in past, he needs time to understand governance’: Roja on Vijay

CHENNAI: Actress and politician Roja said she does not agree with the view that people coming from the film industry cannot provide good governance. She pointed out that leaders such as M. G. Ramachandran (MGR), Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi entered politics from the film industry and went on to become successful administrators.

Roja was speaking about actor Vijay’s entry into politics and the changing political situation in Tamil Nadu. She said the public acceptance Vijay enjoys is similar to the support MGR and Jayalalithaa received in the past. She made the remarks in an interview with the Cinema Express YouTube channel.

According to Roja, good administrators are those who understand the people, know their needs and work accordingly. She said leaders such as MGR and Jayalalithaa had proved this through their political careers.

Roja also cited Telugu actor-turned-politician N. T. Rama Rao (NTR) as an example. She said he went among the people, understood their needs and tried to address them after coming to power, which earned him a reputation as a good administrator.

She said earlier film stars who gave up their stardom and fan following to enter politics did so out of their faith in the people. Roja added that she had personally witnessed the political journeys of MGR, Jayalalithaa and NTR.

At the same time, Roja said this was the time for Vijay to prove his administrative abilities. Since he formed a party directly and became Chief Minister, he would need some time to understand governance and political functioning, she said.

Roja said people would be able to assess the performance of Vijay’s government only after five years. She pointed out that Vijay’s predecessors had long experience in politics and administration, while Vijay would need time to gain such experience.

She added that Vijay could also benefit from the advice of experienced retired IAS officers, understand administrative matters and move forward accordingly.