Actor Rajinikanth, who had declared early this month that he would announce the details of his political party on the New Year eve, made a quick volte-face on Tuesday by announcing through social media that he was not launching any political outfit.
This means that Tamil Nadu may have to wait for long to see an effective and viable third front to take on the DMK and the AIADMK, the traditional rivals of the State politics for the last 35 years. The State’s thirst to see the emergence of a charismatic leader too remains unquenched.
“With a heavy heart, I announce this: Due to health reasons I am not able to enter politics by launching a political party. Only I know the pain with which I make this announcement,” Rajinikanth said in the statement.
“I will continue to serve people without coming to electoral politics. I will never hesitate to speak the truth. I appeal to all my fans and people of Tamil Nadu to accept my decision. Rajini Makkal Mandram will continue to function,” the actor said.
He stated that it would not be fair to campaign through social media. If I develop health complications during my campaign, it would severely affect those who accompany me in politics, he said.
“I need to meet thousands of people during the campaign and through public meetings. Even now I am taking immunosuppressant medicines. If I develop health complications during my campaign, it would severely affect those who accompany me in politics and they have to face many problems politically and mentally,” said Rajinikanth.
His announcement dampened the spirit of his fans and followers alike who were anxiously waiting to see the King of Styles in action in the political arena of Tamil Nadu. In a statement released through the social media, the actor said that his decision follows the requests and suggestions by his close family members who were concerned about his health.
Rajinikanth, who was shooting for his new film at Hyderabad was admitted to a corporate hospital following high fluctuations in blood pressure. He was discharged from the hospital and reached his Poes Garden residence in Chennai late on Sunday night. Doctors had advised him complete bed rest till January 2, 2021.
His fans were told on Monday by office bearers of Rajini Makkal Manram (Fans Association) not to be carried away by rumors about the actor’s health and not to believe reports that he may not enter active politics. Sam Rajappa, veteran scribe and political commentator had told The Pioneer on Monday itself that Rajinikanth would not launch the political party or dabble in politics.
Tamilaruvi Manian, the actor’s Man Friday remained incommunicado. He had told The Pioneer many times in the past that though Rajinikanth had many health issues, the actor could use the electronics and digital media to reach out to his fans across the State.
S Gurumurthy, editor, Tughlaq, who is a close friend of Rajinikanth and who had forecast that the actor’s entry into politics would bring in a tectonic shift in the State’s political landscape said he was pained by the decision. “It was inevitable. But read the penultimate para of his statement saying ‘without directly in politics he will serve the people of Tamil Nadu’. In my assessment he will make a political impact on TN. Like in 1996,” Gurumurthy tweeted.
But SV Badri, a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu’s social world, said that Rajinikanth’s decision would not make any impact in the State politics. “It is a blow to Gurumurthy who was pushing the actor into politics,” said Badri.