Rajinikanth takes the political plunge, to launch party in January

Rajiniakanth on Thursday tweeted his decision on political entry with the hastag “let’s change everything” and “it is now or never”. In his tweet, Rajinikanth said “Party launch is in January, and the date will be announced on December 31” and further said: “In the upcoming Assembly elections, we will definitely give the people honest, transparent, corruption-free and spiritual politics without any difference to any religion or caste, with the support of the people.”

Addressing the media after making the announcement, Rajinikanth said that political change is the need of the hour and there is imminent need to change the destiny of the state and said “I am just a small instrument. If I win, it is the people’s victory. If I lose, it is people’s loss; I request people to be with me.” Rajinikanth explained how the pandemic and his health condition delayed his political entry and how his plan to meet the people after the March announcement couldn’t happen as his doctors advised him not to go out during the pandemic period. He reiterated that there is a need to change the fate of TamilNadu.

Rajinikanth also appointed Arjunan Murthy who was the state president of BJP’s intellectual wing; he was relieved from BJP after he was given the position as the chief coordinator in Rajinikanth’s yet-to-be-announced political party.Tamilaruvi Manian has been appointedas an in-charge to supervise the party’s organisational works.

As soon as Rajinikanth tweeted about his political entry, hundreds of Rajinikanth’s fans gathered out his residence and raised slogans and burst crackers in joy. They said that the wait is over and they are ready to work in the direction their leader Rajinikanth shows.

Welcoming Rajinikanth’s political entry, AIADMK convener O.Panneerselvam said: “I wish his entry good luck. In politics, anything can happen; if there are chances, there will be an alliance (with Rajinikanth).” When reporters asked TamilNadu Chief Minister and AIADMK co-convener Edappadi Palaniswami, he declined to answer, saying that he was not aware of the developments and will reply after reading about it. AIADMK senior minister Jayakumar said that the AIADMK vote bank is intact and it will not change at any cost.

DMK MP A. Raja said that Tamil Nadu is known for Dravidian politics and “spiritual politics” will not work in Tamil Nadu. Rajinikanth’s entry will not affect the DMK vote base, Raja said. Taking exception to his political announcement, VCK leader Thirumavalavan said: “By saying that he is going to take out spiritual politics, he is trying to identify himself as a right-wing politician. As far as TamilNadu is concerned, the BJP cannot have presence for itself in TamilNadu.”

M.K. Alagiri, DMK supremo Karunanithi’s elder son, called Rajinikanth over phone and wished him about his decision. Many film celebrities, too, congratulated Rajinikanth on his political entry.