Since the passing away of J Jayalalithaa, the time has stopped for Tamil Nadu. It perhaps needed no less than Rajinikanth, the superstar, to kick-start it with his entry into politics. Putting an end to the will-he/won't-he debate, on December 31 Rajinikanth announced he will launch his own political party and contest in all 234 constituencies in the next Assembly election. It's not a cardinal truth that actors make good politicians, but in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, matinee idols have left lasting legacies in the Machiavellian world of politics. MGR and his successor Jayalalithaa's hegemonic sway over Tamil Nadu can be compared with NT Rama Rao's imprint in Andhra Pradesh politics.
Tamil politics is a crowded affair. Is anyone missing Rajinikanth?Truth to tell, no matter the ruckus over his entry, no one knows what his ideological inclinations are. He can get a script written on screen. He would surely know that he can't do the same in political life. He also needs to develop a thick skin, for his friends across the political divide will now show their true political colours and some may even call him names.Besides,being of Karnataka-origin, he will have perennial perception problems on the Cauvery river issue.
If Rajini wants to retain his clean image, he would have been better advised not to venture anywhere near the dirty political pond. He can render his services to the people of Tamil Nadu through his fans in the form of charitable activities, raising his voice on public issues and pointing out transgressions in the administration of the State.