Only Jaya tried to overshadow MGR, he is my icon:Vijaykant

Chennai, Oct 24 (UNI) Actor-turned-politician and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijaykanth today launched a diatribe against AIADMK Supremo and leader of the Opposition J Jayalalithaa for her denigrating remarks against him and alleged that she had betrayed the ideals and legacy of late chief minister, MGR .

In a statement here, replying to Ms Jayalalithaa's criticism yetserday about he being referred to as ''Black MGR'', he said it was the people who have been calling him by that name (Black MGR) because of their yearning for late MGR.

''I never called myself Black MGR. The legendry MGR is an icon and I am one of the lakhs of fans of the late chief minister, who had excelled both as a film star and as a politican'', he said.

He said he always considered MGR as his ''political mentor'' and had great respect and love for him.

Mr Vijaykanth alleged that on the contrary, it was Ms Jayalalithaa who tried to overshadow the AIADMK founder and had ''entered the party via croocked paths'' and ''captured'' the party after his death.

Mr Vijaykant also alleged that Ms Jayalalithaa had not allowed the AIADMK workers to even utter the name of MGR or to use his photograph.

''During the course of an interview to the BBC, Ms Jayalalithaa had blackened MGR's name by claiming that she was the only woman to have risen to the top without anybody's help. The real MGR loyalists will not forget or forgive her for such comments'', he alleged.

Refuting Ms Jayalalithaa's charge that he had come drunk to the state Assembly, Mr Vijaykanth said having been the chief minister twice and being the leader of the Opposition, it was not right on her part to make such comments, as if she had herself offered the drink to him.

By such remarks, she had lowered the dignity of the Assembly and committed breach of the privilege, he added.

UNI GV MS1847