Veerappan's daughter joins BJP, says PM Modi's schemes impressed her
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has inducted an interesting name into its fold — the daughter of slain sandalwood smuggler Veerappan.
Vidya Rani joined the saffron party on Saturday at an event held in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri.
Speaking to the press later, Rani said she was impressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's schemes and wanted to work for the underprivileged.
Bandit
Veerappan smuggled sandalwood and ivory, killed anyone who stopped him
Born in 1952, Veerappan was a bandit who was active for some 36 years in the southern states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. He killed elephants for ivory smuggling.
Anyone who opposed Veerappan's devious actions was eliminated. He kidnapped and killed forest officials, cops, and informants.
In 2004, a Special Task Force of Tamil Nadu killed Veerappan and two of his aides.
Statement
Father wanted to serve people, his path was wrong: Rani
Veerappan married Muthulakshmi in 1990, and the couple had two daughters —Rani, who was born the same year, and Prabha, who was born in 1993.
On joining BJP, Rani said her father also wanted to serve the people but chose the wrong path.
Rani took the political plunge along with some 1,000 people. The new entrants of BJP include some PMK leaders too.
Details
Rani is a lawyer by profession
A lawyer by profession, Rani has been an active social worker. For the last several months, she has been running a tuition center in Krishnagiri for the needy students.
"Ever since my meeting with former Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan two years ago, when he asked me to join the party and serve the people, I have been contemplating this move," she said.
Statement
"Want to work for people irrespective of religion and caste"
The new BJP member added, "I want to work for the poor and underprivileged irrespective of their caste and religion."
Meanwhile, State secretary KS Narendran plans to utilize her properly. "Her post will be decided later," he said.
Rani made it to the news earlier after Tamil Nadu High Court allowed her to marry her boyfriend. Her mother was objecting to the union.