Actor Rajinikanth, who has set his sights on a political career, has expressly debarred members of religious and caste-based associations/outfits from joining the Rajini Makkal Mandram, the launch vehicle for his proposed political party.
The mandram’s 36-page bylaws, circulated on Tuesday, said members of caste- or religion-based organisations would not be allowed to enrol in the organisation. Emphasising the need to maintain discipline, the bylaws said mandram members should not engage in anti-social behaviour or cause nuisance to the public. They should not be addicted to “bad habits” and must treat women and senior citizens with the utmost respect.
Code of conduct
As for members’ conduct on social media, the bylaws said that they should be polite in voicing their opinions and not indulge in teasing or passing derogatory comments about an individual. “Members are requested not to use the name of the Rajini Makkal Mandram when expressing their opinions online,” it said.
While the actor had, on December 31 last year, announced plans to enter politics, the mandram was subsequently launched as a precursor to his political party. Though he is yet to make an announcement about the launch of his party, the mandram has been functioning with over 7,000 office-bearers, who have been engaged in a membership drive across the State.
While setting out the structure of the organisation, the bylaws have also detailed the rules for joining different wings of the party, including the women’s wing, the youth wing, the farmers’ wing, the weavers’ wing and the fishermen’s wing.
‘Keep it simple’
“Without written approval or permission from the main office-bearers, members should not collect money or material using the name of the Mandram,” the bylaws stated, while exhorting members to keep any event or meeting they convene simple.
They have also been asked not to give away shawls, garlands or gifts to office-bearers at meetings.