Sindhu Vijayakumar (BOMBAY TIMES; January 2, 2018)

On December 26, superstar Rajinikanth assured his fans at the beginning of the six-day fans meet that he will make an announcement on New Year’s Eve about whether he will enter politics or not. And as promised, on Sunday, December 31, Rajini confirmed that he will form his own political party before the next Tamil Nadu (TN) assembly elections and contest on all the seats. With this announcement, the biggest will-he-won’t-he speculation as far as Tamil cinema and Tamil Nadu politics is concerned, has come to an end!

There was excitement in the air as a huge crowd had gathered in front of the a hall in Tamil Nadu, where the meet was being held, to get a glimpse of the superstar. He started his address by quoting the verse Karmanye Vadhikaraste from the Bhagavad Gita, adding that Lord Krishna had asked Arjuna to take part in the Mahabharat war, irrespective of the outcome and likewise, he, too, will enter politics without bothering about the results. Rajini said that if he doesn’t fight in the war, he will be considered a coward. The actor also added that he is not entering politics for padhavi (designation). “It came to me in 1996 itself, but I didn’t take it up even then,” he added. Calling it (his political entry) kaalathin kattayam (necessity of time), he said that his party will not contest in the upcoming local body elections, as there is not much time to prepare for the same. And as far as the parliament election is concerned, he said he will decide on it later. “I didn’t desire the ‘chair’ when I was 45 years old. I’m 68 now. Do you think I’m mad to aspire for it now?” he asked.

Reiterating that politics has deteriorated and democracy is in its worst state now, he said that last year’s turn of events have made every Tamilian hang their heads in shame. “People from other states are laughing at us. If I don’t take this decision to enter politics and do my bit for Tamil Nadu, the guilt will chase me till my death. We need to change how politics is functioning; the time has come, the system needs to be changed,” he said.

The actor stressed on the fact that his fans should understand that it’s not cinema, but politics, that they are talking about. “I know that politics is not easy, it’s tough, like diving into the deep sea and taking the pearls,” he added. Taking a dig at the current political system, he said that today’s politicians are looting their own people in their own state. “While in olden days, kings and their army used to rob the states that they defeated in war, present-day politicians are looting their own people,” he lamented.

He said that instead of thondarkal (followers), he said he wanted kavalargal (guards). “I want guards who will safeguard their people; I want them to ensure that no one is doing anything wrong. Be it politicians, bureaucrats or others, they should question the wrong-doers. I will be the supervisor of these guards, a representative of the citizens,” he stated.

Elaborating on the need to start working from the grass roots level, he said, “From strengthening the registered fan clubs to organising the unregistered fan clubs, work has to start from each street and village.”

Insisting that discipline and restrain will be the identity of his party, he requested everyone to refrain from debating, protesting and releasing political statements till he announces the party officially. He concluded his speech by saying that while truth, hard work and progress would be the mantra of his party, they would function with this policy in mind— nallathe ninaippom, nallathe seyvom, nallathe nadakkum (think good, do good and only good things will happen).