Less than a week after his meeting with members of Rajini Makkal Manram(RMM), an outfit of his fans and friends, film star Rajinikanth would be meeting them again on Thursday. Though there is no official announcement from the RMM about the agenda of the meeting, it is speculated that the film star may disclose some details about the political party he is planning to launch.
Though there were reports in a section of the media that Rajinikanth may announce the launching of his party on April 14, the Tamil New Year Day, his close associate Tamilaruvi Manian told The Pioneer on Wednesday that it was not correct. “I saw some reports like that which appeared in some dailies with the claim that it was disclosed by me. I was being misquoted by these dailies,” said Manian.
While Manian said the stage is set for the launching of the political outfit by Rajinikanth, he is in the dark about the name of the party and its programmes. “Rajinikanth is the sole authority who could give you details about the programme of the party and its stance on various issues. All I could say is that there would be a political party led by Rajinikanth contesting the 2021 assembly election,” said Manian, a former Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president who had quit the Grand Old Party in disgust.
Maalan, Tamil Nadu’s leading political commentator is of the view that the entry of Rajinikanth into the political arena is expected to make some major impact in State politics. “The AIADMK is in power since 2011 and some anti-incumbency factor has set in. If Rajinikanth does not enter the scene now, chances are that these anti-incumbency votes may go to the DMK. There is a section of voters in Tamil Nadu which are disgusted with the kind of politics practiced by AIADMK and the DMK. Both these parties are known for corruption, nepotism and favouritism. That section of voters are anxiously waiting for an alternative option and Rajinikanth fits the bill,” said Maalan.
But Maalan said that possibilities of Rajinikanth’s party crossing the half-way mark in the Assembly is highly unlikely. “At the best he may be one of the factors deciding who constitute the next government,” he said.
Kolahala Srenivaas, author and commentator, is expecting Rajinikanth to disclose on Thursday the reason behind his “disappointment” about which he mentioned last week. “He may also reveal some more details about the outfit because he has been functioning till now as per the script prepared by his advisors. It all sound very dramatic,” said Srenivaas.
Insiders who are in the know of things said that the manifesto, party programmes and blue print for the development of Tamil Nadu has been drawn out by the close aides of Rajinikanth. Pandhappilli Gopala Menon, well known Thanthric scholar, said April 14 being the Tamil New Year Day, chances of the actor launching the party are high. “First day of Chithirai, the first month as per Tamil Almanac is an auspicious day for all new ventures,” said Menon.
Once Rajinikanth discloses his future plans, another political narrative that could arise in Tamil Nadu is the possibility of coalition governments in the State.