RJ Balaji, who came into prominence with selfless service to the needy during Chennai floods and cyclone, has been a commentator for IPL matches on Star Sports in Tamil. Now, owing to pressure in needing to show his solidarity with the people of Tamil Nadu for setting up the Cauvery Management Board, Balaji did not take up the scheduled commentary slot on Wednesday when the IPL match was played in Chennai between CSK and KKR amid protests.
However, Balaji said it is wrong for people to demand that professionals stop doing their jobs. In a video post on his social media handle, Balaji said, “Few days back some people started protesting that no one should watch IPL at the stadium and later said one can watch on television. Later, a few of them said IPL should not be conducted here. Then, they insisted that people should not work for IPL. I refrained from commentary duty as my contribution to support Tamil people in the Cauvery issue. I would like to thank the management for understanding my feelings towards the people and letting me take the decision.”
He added, “All this is done to draw the attention of the nation. Is it correct? The people at the Centre know well about it. Even if you want to get their attention, there's a way. The 234 MLAs and 50 MPs here whom we have voted and sent to New Delhi should resign instantaneously and make heads turn. We have voted for these politicians and not for Dhoni. Along with my friends I am involved in several social causes silently. Vested interests are blowing it out of proportion for their own personal gains and misusing innocent youth. There is difference between ‘informed emotions’ and ‘inflated sentiments'. I am afraid the latter is happening in Tamil Nadu”.
“Will you tell YouTube channel to stop, not to release any movies, those who work in banks, IT companies etc. quit their jobs until Cauvery issue is resolved? It looks like that only, though it is incorrect”, is how he signs off!
