Chennai: Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay is likely to share the stage with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in an anti-drug awareness event in Kerala.Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala on Wednesday called on Vijay and invited him to participate alongside Mohanlal in the event organised as part of Kerala’s anti-drug initiative ‘Operation Toofan’, which was launched 43 days ago. After the meeting, Chennithala told reporters that Vijay has agreed to join Mohanlal, the initiative’s brand ambassador, in the upcoming event, adding that the date is yet to be finalised. He also recalled that the duo have acted together in the film ‘Jilla’.If Vijay participates, this will be the CM’s first event outside the state. His participation is also likely to strengthen TVK-Congress ties as senior leaders of the national party, including Kerala chief minister V D Satheesan, will be present at the event. Though Vijay was invited to Satheesan’s swearing-in ceremony, he skipped the event citing prior administrative commitments.“Vijay is extremely popular among the youth and should use his influence to spread the anti-drug message,” said Chennithala, adding that coordinated efforts between Tamil Nadu and Kerala were needed to curb narcotics trafficking across the shared border.“Tamil Nadu has promised full cooperation in sealing vulnerable border points and preventing the movement of narcotics. The operation has so far led to the arrest of more than 6,000 people, registration of more than 5,500 cases and the jailing of more than 100 habitual offenders, besides confiscation of properties linked to drug trafficking,” Chennithala said, adding that joint awareness campaigns targeting school and college students would also be launched.The minister said Vijay has agreed to raise issues relating to inter-state coordination through the proposed committee of southern states..
