CHENNAI: Chants of ‘va va thalaiva’ (come, my leader) and ‘mattruvom mattruvom, elavatrayum mattruvom’ (we will change everything) thundered in Valluvar Kottam on Sunday. Not having the heart to accept that their beloved actor will not take the political plunge, thousands of Rajinikanth fans staged a dharna on Sunday, urging the actor to rethink his decision.
Rajini, who had toyed with the notion for nearly 30 years, announced just weeks ago that he would not be joining politics on account of his poor health. Interestingly, fans also made it clear that they would not extend their allegiance to another political outfit at the behest of the actor.
Undeterred by the actor’s appeal for understanding from supporters, and ignoring Rajini Makkal Mandram’s diktat to fans to avoid agitations, thousands gathered at the spot without any particular person leading them. Though police had permitted only 200 people to gather from 11 am to noon, people started arriving at the spot from early in the morning.
Balakrishnan, a fan from Tiruchy, said that his district alone had over 10,000 members in the youth wing but most of them were reluctant to come as the RMM district secretaries had warned them against joining the agitation.
During the demonstration, speakers said they wanted only a Rajini party, Rajini symbol and Rajini rule, making it clear that they would not accept any demand of Rajini to support another party in the upcoming Assembly elections. Some fans expressed hope that Rajini will change his mind after witnessing their enthusiasm and will announce a ‘new decision’ in the coming Tamil month of Thai.
Tamilaruvi Manian makes a U-turn
Coimbatore: Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam founder Tamilaruvi Manian, who was actor Rajinikanth’s advisor in his unsuccessful political entry, announced that he has now reversed his decision of quitting politics. “I had said I will not enter politics until my last breath. However, I reconsidered it following requests from party functionaries,” he said.
Kamal says govt targeting him
Coimbatore: MNM chief Kamal Haasan on Sunday charged State government of targeting him and said official machinery was being used to throttle his campaigns. “We thank ministers and Coimbatore Corporation officials for removing MNM hoardings and flags. They have given us more publicity by their actions,” he said.
‘Waiting for NDA to declare CM face’
Tirupur: DMDK Treasurer Premalatha Vijayakanth on Sunday said that the party is waiting for the NDA to announce the chief ministerial candidate. Speaking to media persons in the city, she said, “AIADMK has announced Edappadi K Palaniswami as chief minister candidate. But we are waiting to know who the NDA would field for the position.”