Ending the suspense over his political plunge, actor Rajinikanth on Thursday announced that he will launch his party in January next year to contest in the ensuing state assembly polls and the date will be announced on December 31.

“In the upcoming state assembly polls, with the support of the people, it is certain that an honest, fair, transparent, non-corrupt and caste-religious free spiritual politics will emerge in Tamil Nadu. Miracles will happen,” he wrote in a tweet declaring his political entry.

Speaking to reporters at his Poes Garden residence, Rajinikanth said he would be happy to sacrifice his life for the people and would not go back on his promise to launch a political party to provide a political change in the state.

“I wanted to go on a tour across the state after my announcement in March this year that he would launch if the people rise in support for it. But the coronavirus outbreak prevented it. You all know that I underwent Kidney transplant in 2016. For a successful transplant of an organ, the immunity level of the recipient should be reduced. But to for Covid-19, one’s immunity level should be high. Hence my doctors advised against venturing out on a political campaign to meet people. But I always think that I alive because of the prayers of the Tamil people. So I will be happy to sacrifice my life for them and I will not go back on my promise to launch the party,” he told reporters.

Rajinikanth said that political change is the necessity. “I have decided to enter politics to usher in a change in Tamil Nadu. I am just a small instrument in this mission. If I succeed, it will be the success of the people. In the same way, if I get defeated, it will be the defeat of the people. If not now, it will be never… For every individual, there is a destiny; similarly, there is a destiny for a country too; so, now this is time for changing the destiny of Tamil Nadu. Definitely, there will be a change of guard in Tamil Nadu and in the political scenario. Let us transform everything" he declared.

The veteran actor also announced that Tamilaruvi Manian, a vociferous advocate of the actor’s political entry would supervise the political party launch and Dr R Arjuna Murthy as the chief organiser.

Tamilaruvi Manian said that in Tamil Nadu where hatred politics is deeprooted, the actor would usher in spiritual politics which is based on affection. Mr Murthy thanked the actor for the opportunity and said that they are ready to provide a political change in the state.

The actor’s announcement has come four days after interacting with district secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram, an extension of his fan club that was launched in 2018 as a precursor to his political party. After the meeting on Monday, he told reporters that the district secretaries has agreed to abide by any decision taken by him and he would announce his decision as soon as possible. On December 31, 2017, the actor has announced that he would launch his political party and contest all the 234 assembly seats in the state.