CHENNAI: Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam president Vijaykanth deciding to contest from Rishivandhiyam constituency in Villupuram district could have come as a disappointment for actor Vadivelu, who had once vowed to defeat him in Assembly elections.
But, the surprising move by the comedian to volunteer to campaign for the DMK has given rise to speculation that he may take on the Captain in the upcoming elections.
"I need to consult with some people before disclosing my plans," Vadivelu told Express, when contacted over phone. "I am going to make an announcement in this regard to the media tomorrow (Wednesday)," he stated.
Interestingly, Vadivelu would kickstart his election campaign with DMK Patriarch M K Karunanidhi from the latter's home constituency of Tiruvarur on Wednesday before going around the State.
The rivalry between the two actors is legendary. It all began over a parking issue that snowballed into a big fight that even led to the comedian's permises being ransacked by unidentified men in 2007.
When reporters quizzed him about taking on Vijaykanth on Monday after he emerged from the Chief Minister's house, the comedian commented that he would make a statement only after Vijaykanth announced his constituency. The DMDK candidates' list that was released the same evening mentioned that Vijayakanth would contest from Rishivandhiyam, a constituency that has been allocated to the Congress.
Both Vadivelu and Vijayakanth hailed from Madurai and have acted in several films together.
In 2008, Vadivelu told the media that he will contest against Vijayakanth as a nominee of all other political parties and defeat him.
He also alleged that was getting threat calls from Vijaykanth and his men. He was also confident that the people would listen to him, as he had no political affiliations and did not want to be an MP or MLA. At the same time, he said he would contest against Vijaykanth in the assembly elections and that it is a war between him and Vijaykanth.