Rajini to decide political future on Monday

• Thalivar Decision final, says fans
• Call for District secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram(RMM)
• Kodambakkam police beefs up security at venue of meet

Chennai: Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, marriage function hall, owned by Super Star Rajinikanth waits for actor’s future political decision which will be announced on Monday according to reliable sources. Call from head office to all district heads asking the office bearers to assemble at the venue on Monday raised hopes among Rajini fans.

Police permission was granted after RMM submitted a request for accommodation of 50 members in the hall following  Covid guidelines like wearing masks and maintaining social distance. The District heads feel that there is vacuum in Tamil Nadu politics and will hear good news from their actor turned politician. But they are obeying  the decision of their hero whatever it may be. “If our Thalivar says no to politics, we will not force him, but decision has  to be clear to go ahead or not,” they said.

District heads are not ready to accept any other face to lead the party except Rajinikanth. It is not worthy to keep the party in another hand, it is better to give up political journey, if he is not prepared to be the  front runner, felt another leader.

In the first half of the year, Rajini came up with a statement that he will lead the party as CEO, but not as contender for CM’s post. This option was not accepted by his fans at that time disappointing Rajini. He felt that an educated or a person with farsightedness  is best suitable for the CM’s candidate rather than him.

Speculations about Rajinikanth’s entry into politics which have been making rounds for more than years are back in social media and political circles with greater intensity. A letter was out recently quoting that there will be much delay in his entry, which may happen after 2021 assembly elections. This created ‘hungama’ with tweets from his fans across globe which read:  “Please come Thaliva, show some light to TN and give some hope”. The main reason for the delay in entry, according to the letter, is the pandemic which is shaking TN and for a 70-year-old (his fans won’t accept the age) man it might be a great risk to campaign in public with rallies.

Leaked letter makes rounds

On one Tuesday, a letter was leaked with the hero’s statement which stated  that Rajini can’t participate in 2021 assembly elections and his party will not contest. It cited the superstar’s health condition as the main reason for it and if Covid pandemic cases come down, he may give official statement by December. This draft copy was published in famous Tamil website and was circulated in superstar’s close circles. Fans started tweeting saying ‘Rajini will take correct decision at correct time’, in cine style.

There were rumours that Rajini will join hands with BJP in 2021 elections. Even Central BJP leaders,  including  Minister of Home Amit Shah,  said that they are looking at Rajini in TN as an alliance partner. This made media and his fans’ speculations about the announcement of launching of the party in October and may start campaign soon.

Can’t campaign in traditional mode

The draft letter said, “Since the campaign in traditional mode is not possible, the alternative now would be to carry out my political campaign through television, internet and social media. But I doubt if there would be a popular uprising and support among the public for such an approach. And if I chose to launch party in a traditional way-through public meetings- and my health got affected midway, it could disrupt all the plans. And my main concern is about health of public who would attend such rallies.  I would plan to announce name and flag on October 2.” Later another statement released said there will be further delay in entry and it may not be possible before 2021 elections. These types of speculations became common in the case of Rajini from day one when he had fans meet in 2017. Until now, Rajini never opened his mouth  about his party but fans and media have been pushing him forward with a call ‘Save TN’ after they felt a political vacuum created after Jayalalitha’s demise has been waiting to be filled by the hero.

Rajinikanth clarifies

Thaliva came up with clarification on the leaked letter. He said that his health condition is not good and doctors advised him not to involve in active politics. He also clarified that the letter circulating in social media was not written by him. He also said that he will confirm his stand on politics after discussing with ‘Rajini People’s Forum,’ which was floated by his fans as a political vehicle.

Rajinikanth who had kidney surgery nine years ago is now 70 and the question being asked by his well wishers other than fans: “Is this right time for entry into politics?” Political analysts felt that it would be better for Rajini not to take the plunge at this age.  “But still twitter trends show the actor has huge following in public and the leaked letter is nothing but kite flying  just to know the pulse of the people,” an analyst said.