INDIA
Vidya Rani Veerappan, now an office-bearer of BJYM in Tamil Nadu, says she’ll remain unaffected by the bouquets and brickbats while letting her work and social service do the talking. Recalling memories of her father, Vidya said she had only met him once but has been told by people that he was a "good human being."
A new entrant into politics, but her recent elevation to a critical party post has made headlines for various reasons. Undeterred by the controversy, Vidya Rani Veerappan, who is best known as Veerappan's daughter, says she’ll remain unaffected by the bouquets and brickbats while letting her work and social service do the talking.
Vidya, a law graduate who also runs a small kids’ school in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district, joined India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in February this year. A party announcement last week stated that she had been elevated as Tamil Nadu state vice-president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM), the party’s youth wing.
Vidya’s late father is the forest brigand Veerappan, who operated in the vast forest areas on the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. Considered one of the biggest smugglers India has ever seen, the sandalwood mafia was gunned down by Special Task Force (STF) of the Tamil Nadu Police in 2004.
Veerappan had a fearsome reputation during his heydays when he poached elephants for ivory, smuggled sandalwood, kidnapped high-profile individuals and killed forest officials and policemen with impunity.
Speaking to WION, Vidya said her motivation to join politics had risen from having seen the suffering around her while growing up.
“I saw many people suffering from the clash between my late father and the Police. Many were mentally and economically affected and they didn’t have basic education, I wanted to reach out and serve them,” she told WION.
She said that joining politics was not a sudden decision and that she has always been keen on social service. When asked about her appointment to the new party post, the young law graduate said that it didn’t come as a surprise.
“Although the announcement was made on social media, I was called about a week earlier and asked about my willingness to serve with an active, young team. When I joined the BJP in February, I felt I am on the right track,” she said.
Recalling memories of her father, Vidya said she had only met him once when she was around six years of age.
“I know the person that my father is. I don’t know much about the cases against him. But, he was a good human being and the public told me this. I’m proud of the good human being that he was,” Vidya said.
She asserted that she would appreciate it when naysayers question her about work rather than attack her on the personal front. “If they ask about my profession and social service, that would be a constructive discussion. But if at all they resort to personal slurs, let them be. I’m not someone who would care about it,” she added.
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance to give bonus share ahead of Diwali, check last date to apply
When Hollywood actress Natalie Portman insulted a BIG Bollywood megastar, he was asked to 'get lost'
J-K: Two army soldiers injured as terrorists attack army vehicle in Gulmarg
Shah Rukh Khan is back on small screen with legendary tale, it will lead up to…
Bomb threats to Indian planes continue: More than 80 flights receive fresh security alerts
Mumbai Police arrests vegetable seller from Jamshedpur for sending death threat to Salman Khan
'Dukh toh hota hi hai': Ex-India star blames MS Dhoni for dropping him at the 'peak of career'
Amitabh Bachchan defended Aishwarya Rai after she opted out of this film due to...
THIS company lost Rs 36430 crore in 6 hours, it's not Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, Tata Motors
Narak Chaturdashi 2024: Know the date, time, rituals, significance of Choti Diwali
'Attitude is...': Ex-Tesla employee shares experience working with Elon Musk
IND vs NZ: Washington Sundar scripts history in Pune, becomes first Indian to achieve big feat
Mukesh Ambani hails Meta CEO, says Mark Zuckerberg will go down in history for...
SC issues notice to Ajit Pawar on Sharad Pawar faction's plea over NCP 'clock' symbol
'UPSC hotspot': THIS college produces most IAS, IPS officers every year
Unlock the Power of Quick Recovery: Why every windows PC needs RestoreX360
Royal Enfield first electric bike spotted, it will be unveiled on…
'Dead' baby found alive during funeral in..., what happened next will SHOCK you!
Anil Ambani gets good news ahead of Diwali, his Rs 17016 crore company receives...
Apple iPhone 16 pro is now available for just Rs 52,930 on Amazon, how you can grab this deal
Diwali 2024: 5 vastu-friendly home decor tips to welcome wealth, prosperity this Deepawali
'Breasts, not oranges': Cancer awareness campaign by Yuvraj Singh's NGO draws flak, DMRC recalls it
Virat Kohli reveals being in tears while talking to Anushka Sharma following THIS incident
Man kidnapped from chaat stall, but there's a twist, watch viral video
IND vs NZ: R Ashwin goes past Australia's Nathan Lyon to set new World Test Championship record
Dhanteras 2024: Date, significance, shubh muhurat and more
Nvidia rolls out Hindi-language AI model in India: What is it and how will it work?
Netizens not happy with this billionaire's apartment in Bengaluru, says, 'you can afford better'
'Kejriwal, Atishi looted Rs 8,500 crore for...': BJP protests at Yamuna's Chhath Ghat
Cyclone Dana trains cancelled: Over 300 trains cancelled, check full list here
Bengaluru school's Rs 1.5 lakh fees for Nursery sparks controversy, parents' reaction goes viral
THIS rule will change from November 1, Airtel, Jio, Vi, BSNL users should pay attention, it will...
Video of man dancing around Russian woman at India Gate goes viral, sparks online debate
Innovating the Future: Aniruddh Tiwari's visionary advancements in AI and aata analytics
Revolutionising Enterprise Data Frameworks: How one lead data engineer is driving innovation
Pakistani model's BOLD move, walks Miss World ramp without...; watch video
What role did IAS officer Srushti Deshmukh's family play in her UPSC success? Details here
BIG allegation against Donald Trump, ex-model says former president groped her in front of...
THIS rule made by Ratan Tata won't allow Noel Tata to become Tata Sons chairman, it is...
JioHotstar domain acquired by Delhi-based app developer, he now wants Mukesh Ambani's Reliance to...
Alia Bhatt was totally smitten with Aishwarya Rai's dance videos because...
Ind vs NZ 2nd Test: When, where to watch India vs New Zealand 2nd Test match live
When Salman Khan broke his silence on blackbuck case: ‘Just because I cannot…’
Hyundai Motor India launches historic IPO, paves way for innovation and growth in automotive sector
BIG change in world's richest people list: Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani's fortunes now...
Ananya Panday gets trolled for her outfit, netizens say ‘she is getting Janhvi-fied’
Tom Holland confirms Spider-Man 4, reveals film will go on floors in...
Cyclone Dana update: Heavy rain predicted in Kolkata, flights suspended; check details
Meet man, who used to earn Rs 18 per month, now leads Rs 300 crore company, he is known as…
Meet IAS officer, daughter of grocery shopkeeper who cracked UPSC exam thrice
IND vs NZ 2nd Test, Pune weather forecast: Will rain play spoilsport on Day 1 at MCA Stadium?
IIT Bombay students' dance on 'Munni Badnaam' goes viral, netizens call it 'downfall'