Trigger Warning: Contains mentions of self harm
Raghava Lawrence has shared a new detailed video clarifying his earlier statements and cleared the air surrounding rumours about him contesting in the Trichy East constituency for CM Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
In his new video, Raghava Lawrence said he was "forced" to issue a clarification after his close friends, members from his organisation and his mother urged him, after his recent comments where his analogy of "stray dogs" triggered widespread backlash.
Later, he introduced a disabled person by the name of Rajagopal whom he supported financially for the last 20 years. Raghava Lawrence said he understood the pain of the person when he first knocked on his door for help two decades ago. "When I asked him to take the room upstairs instead of residing in the office, he took offence and attempted self harm. We rushed him to the hospital and saved him at midnight. I could have just concentrated on my work, movies and other activities, but I wanted to do something for the people. It took him many days for him to understand that me moving his place upstairs was a decision taken with care. Later, he didn't listen to my words and went outside. There, he injured his backbone. We had to conduct an emergency operation at Kauvery Hospital as that was the hospital he liked. If this is the story of one person, imagine the case of rest of those the kids. We brought him up as well as the other kids in my own house," he elaborated, reiterating his stance on serving the public.
"I'm well today because of people's money and when they spoke ill of me, I felt very hurt. My mother was also in tears, urging me to quit politics once again," he added.
The actor-director also asked people to step back and understand the issues he must be facing while financially and medically supporting 60 kids. "Only now, after many years, they have grown up and are pursuing their education while staying in different houses. One week ago, all the kids I helped, celebrated Father's Day with me. I was very happy that day. Will anyone be able to get that love? It is all because of the love I have for people," he said. Later, Rajagopal narrated the story of how he was abandoned at birth my a millionaire after he was born disabled. He mentioned that Raghava Lawrence helped him as his own parent.
Further, Raghava Lawrence underlined the importance of the mother's role in his life and why he asked people whether he should come to politics. "My mother was my first fan and best friend. If not for my mother's blessings, I wouldn't be here. Also, makkal theerpe magesan theerpu. Others won't ask people before entering politics, but I did. They are the ones who have made me who I am. So, what is wrong in asking them?" he probed.
Towards the end of the video, Raghava Lawrence mentioned that he doesn't want to bear the fruits of those who have already worked for CM Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), while dismissing rumours about him contesting in the Trichy East constituency that was won by Vijay during the recent assembly elections. He had to resign from the seat in the days leading up to his oath taking ceremony as he had already won from Perambur constituency. He revealed that a decision on contesting from the seat has to be made by Vijay himself as there are many who have worked alongside him for many years.
The actor further reiterated that he wants to work for people's issues and not be "selfish". He said that he has two films that are currently in production (Benz and Kanchana 4) and will reveal the details of his political stance and where he would be joining soon.