Ready to face 2019 LS polls: Rajini

Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday said his proposed political party was prepared to face anything, including the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but reiterated that a decision on contesting the polls would be taken later.

The actor on Sunday had a meeting with the women’s wing representatives of his Rajini Makkal Mandram at his house here and interacted with mediapersons.

Asked if his recent meetings with district secretaries, youth and women’s wing members signalled his preparedness to contest in the Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Rajinikanth said: “Yes, you can say that. We want to be ready for everything. But as I had said in December (2017) when I made my announcement about entering politics, I will take a decision closer to the time of the election on whether or not to contest.”

Slams Vajubhai Vala

When asked about the ongoing political situation in Karnataka, Mr. Rajinikanth slammed the decision of Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala for giving the BJP 15 days to prove its majority.

“Hats off to the Supreme Court for their timely intervention,” Mr. Rajinikanth said.

When asked why he did not participate in the all-party meeting on Cauvery issue on Saturday, which was called by his contemporary from the film industry, Kamal Haasan, Mr. Rajinikanth said he had not started a political party yet.

“I however look forward to participating in future events after the launch of my party,” he said.

On sharing of Cauvery water, Mr. Rajinikanth said, “I humbly feel that it will be good if the proposed Cauvery River Authority has control over the dams in Karnataka. Whatever the Supreme Court has said must be implemented and it is the State’s duty.”