‘I will be tormented by a feeling of guilt if I do not make this move,’ says Rajini
This is a development which has been commanded by time. I will be starting a separate party and will contest all 234 constituencies in the state of Tamil Nadu, the actor said to fans who greeted his announcement in absolute delight.
Superstar Rajinikanth, on the last day of the year, put an end to the decade-long suspense on whether he would take the political plunge by officially announcing that he would be entering politics.
Addressing fans at the Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam, Rajinikanth said that he would soon be floating a new political party and that his party would be contesting all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The moment the actor said, “My coming to politics is certain,” the whole auditorium burst into loud cheers and applause, with excited fans screaming out their appreciation.
The star, after a pause, said, “This is a development which has been commanded by time. I will be starting a separate party and will contest all 234 constituencies in the state of Tamil Nadu. Before that, there is local body polls. But because of shortness of time, I will not contest it.”
“I am not coming to politics for fame, wealth, or name. You people have given me all that a 1000 times more than what I even imagined. I am not coming for position. If I had to come for position, the chair of CM came searching for me in 1996. I chose to set it aside. I never had a desire for positional power when I was 45, will I have such a desire for that position when I am 68? If such a desire arises, I will be a mad man. This is not for position. So, what is it I am coming?,” he asked.
Answering his own question, he said, “Politics has become bad. Democracy has been destroyed. Political developments in the state in the last one year have made us a laughing stock in front of the people of the other states. It has made all Tamilians hang their head in shame. At this time, if I don’t make this decision, I will be tormented by a feeling of guilt that that I have not undertaken even a democratic move to help the gods who have made me live, that is the people of Tamil Nadu. This feeling will torment me till the time I die. Everything has to change. It is time for change,” the star said.
Rajini said that he would resign in 3 years if he was unable to deliver his promises.
The star’s announcement brought delight to fans across the state who have begun celebrating the announcement. The announcement has also triggered a flurry of activity in the political circles of Tamil Nadu.
