Rajinikanth surprised today by announcing his decision to join politics. (Archive)
Chennai:
Superstar Rajinikanth was shocked today by announcing her decision to join politics just weeks after she spoke about being informed by doctors that her health might not be up to the challenge.
“I am willing to sacrifice my life for the good of the Tamil people,” the 69-year-old announced with a dramatic mix of idealism, daring, sacrifice and emotion befitting him. “Thalaiva (leader) “of movies.
Even after Rajinikanth met with his Rajini Makkal Mandram’s district secretaries on Monday, not many were hopeful. When he looked further, they thought their leader was setting them up for disappointment.
But Rajinikanth has played the “will, won’t” game for a long time. Some believe it may be too late, given their age and health.
Given the right circumstances, Rajinikanth’s entry may shake Tamil Nadu’s parties and alliances as they prepare for the five-month-long Tamil Nadu elections.
The veteran seems close to the ideology of the BJP. “Rajinikanth’s views are similar to those of the BJP. We will appeal to him to support us,” said BJP spokesman Narayanan Thirupathi.
Rajinikanth has always denied leaning towards the BJP, although his statements in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policies suggested otherwise.
Last year, days after the government ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special status, Rajinikanth compared Prime Minister Modi and Interior Minister Amit Shah to “Krishna and Arjun” of the Mahabharata. In February, he endorsed the Citizenship Amendment Act.
While many accuse him of mild Hindutva, Rajinikanth has tried to make a clear distinction, saying that his party is beyond caste, creed and religion and that he will practice “spiritual” politics. His supporters say that this means that his party will attract people of all castes and religions.
At 69, can Rajinikanth achieve an NTR?
NTR or NT Rama Rao, was a megastar before joining politics in neighboring Andhra Pradesh. He launched his political party in 1982 and months later, he became Chief Minister at the age of 59.
In Tamil Nadu, which has always seen rivals AIADMK and DMK dominate elections, and where caste plays a huge role, where does Rajinikanth stand with his party yet to be launched and the promise to stay away from caste, the creed or religion?
The dominant castes in the state already have their champions: the Gounders have Prime Minister E Palanisami of AIADMK, Thevars have Senior Deputy Minister O Panneerselvam, the Vanniyars have Ramadoss and the programmed castes have VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi).
Fans do not necessarily become cadres of the match. The allure of the eternal superstar would be like a face around which people can mobilize. Without a broader organizational structure, you will find it difficult to fight and win elections on your own.
The BJP is desperate for a face in Tamil Nadu after not having had much of an impact over the years, and Rajinikanth may be what you’re looking for.
The ruling AIADMK has announced that its alliance with the BJP will continue, following a recent visit to the state by Interior Minister Amit Shah. The question is whether the BJP will give more prominence to Rajinikanth in its campaign and to the fringe leaders of AIADMK.
AIADMK’s history with Rajinikanth has been spotty. In 1996, the party overwhelmingly lost power after the actor commented: “If J Jayalalithaa (then AIADMK chief minister and chief minister) is rejected, not even God can save Tamil Nadu.”
In the years after that, Jayalalithaa, a former actor who co-starred with Rajinikanth in many films, would often meet him; he was also her neighbor at the Poes Garden in Chennai.
At the register, the AIADMK received Rajinikanth’s announcement today. Chief Deputy Minister O Panneerselvam said: “There could be an alliance if there is an opportunity. Anything can happen in the future.”
But AIADMK is seen as the biggest loser if Rajinikanth has an impact. It can cut votes against the DMK, which means that the ruling Tamil Nadu party will bear the brunt.
His BJP ally, however, has nothing to lose. The party is believed to be evaluating better chances of establishing a foothold in Tamil Nadu by betting on the “Thalaiva“.
Rajinikanth’s political ambitions gained momentum after the death of Prime Minister Jayalalithaa in 2016, which left AIADMK adrift. In a power struggle, Jayalalithaa’s closest aide, VK Sasikala, assumed control of the party, sparking a Panneerselvam revolt. When she was imprisoned for corruption, she elected Mr. Palanisamy as Chief Minister. Mr. Palanisamy and Mr. Panneerselvam later made up.
Rajinikanth’s announcement comes weeks before Sasikala’s planned release from jail.
If Rajinikanth competes alone, he could follow the path of fellow actor-turned-politician Vijayakanth. The Vijayakanth DMDK in the 2006 elections in Tamil Nadu won 8.5 per cent of the vote, but won only one seat. A Third Front leaned in 2016 to cut the anti-AIADMK vote and played its role in ensuring Jayalalithaa’s return to power. But in these polls, Rajinikanth is more likely to hurt the BJP-AIADMK alliance than the DMK-led group.
This will be the first election in Tamil Nadu after the deaths of the state’s two most prominent politicians: Jayalalithaa and MK Karunanidhi of DMK. With Kamal Haasan already in the running, the election has the makings of a political blockbuster.
If Rajinikanth joins his friend Kamal Haasan, it will be a decisive blow, but it may not change the politics of Tamil Nadu, something they both promise the people.
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