Actor Vijay, president of TVK, has criticized the BJP government for attempting to associate caste with social reformer Periyar. Speaking at an event honoring academic achievers, Vijay urged students to reject divisive ideologies like caste and religion.

CHENNAI: Actor and TVK President Vijay on Friday strongly condemned the BJP govt at the centre for trying to paint a caste colour on social reformer Periyar, one of the five ideological mentors of TVK.At a function to honour toppers of SSLC and Plus Two held at a private hotel in Mahabalipuram, Vijay asked students to stay away from caste and religious divisive ideas. “Like narcotic substances, we should keep caste and religion away from us. It is good for all… Never allow the divisive ideas to disturb your mind,” Vijay said.“Are farmers cultivating based on caste and religion? Are labourers manufacturing products based on caste and religion? Does nature differentiate based on caste and religion?” Vijay asked.Hitting out at the BJP govt, Vijay said, “In the recently held UPSC exam, they tried to paint a caste colour on Periyar. We strongly condemn this.”Asking students not to get emotional on any issue, Vijay said that students should have a technical and scientific approach-based thinking as it is the only way to survive in the AI-dominated world. “The sky is vast and wide and you have strong winds. So, feel free to fly like a bird with courage, conviction, and confidence,” Vijay said.Asking students not to get stressed about NEET exams, Vijay said, “The world doesn’t end with NEET. There are many things to achieve outside NEET. Keep your minds strong and democratic. Only if there is democracy, the world and all the fields in it will have freedom. If we have proper democracy, everyone will get everything.”Vijay asked students to ask their family members to exercise their democratic rights properly. “Exercising the democratic rights means electing good, confidential, and non-corrupt people,” Vijay said.Recalling his message to students to avoid cash for votes in 2023, Vijay said, “I already asked the students two years ago not to encourage cash-for-votes culture and asked you to follow it. Next year, tonnes of cash will be poured for the election. All that money was swindled from you. What are you going to do? You know what to do. There is no need for me to tell you.”