CHENNAI: Actor
Rajinikanth finally ended the suspense over his political foray on Thursday and said he would launch his
political party in January. A formal announcement would be made on December 31, Rajinikanth said, taking to
twitter and ending a more than 24-year wait of his fans.
“With the massive support of people, we will capture power and provide a corruption-free and transparent government that will be above caste, creed and
religion,” Rajinikanth said in a tweet.
“Change. We will change everything. Miracle and wonder will happen. If not now, then never,” Rajinikanth tweeted, taking a leaf out of a campaign that his fans have been running over the past few months on the same slogan. As political buzz picked up traction, the actor followed up with a hurriedly convened media conference.
“I had made it clear on December 31, 2017 (when he addressed his fans at a gathering at his Raghavendra marriage hall here) that I will surely enter politics in time for the assembly elections. In March this year, I said I wanted to see a wave and uprising from the people wanting a political change. I wanted to undertake a tour of the state to make that happen. But corona prevented that from happening,” Rajinikanth told reporters at his residence. The actor said he has already started the work for launching the party. But it requires gigantic effort and he has given the responsibility to supervise the work to Tamilaruvi Manian, chief of Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam. “Despite criticism, he has stood by me ever since I made it clear that I will enter politics,” the actor said. He also said he has appointed R Arjuna Murthy, who was in the BJP till a few days ago, as the chief coordinator.
‘Time to change Tamil Nadu’s fate has come’“I hope you all know that I underwent a renal transplant. When transplants are done, the body’s immunity level is brought down. Hence, doctors advised me against going out and meeting people at large,” he said.
“If one has to face
Covid, the body’s immunity level should be very high. I thought about it. It is because of the prayers of the people of Tamil Nadu that my life was saved when I underwent treatment in Singapore. I will be happy to give away my life for the sake of the people of this state,” Rajinikanth said seeking to drive home the point that he would campaign for a political change in the state even if it demands risking his health.
“The time to change the fate of Tamil Nadu has come. Change of government and change in politics will happen. I am only a small tool. It is the people, who have to usher in the change by extending your support. If I win, it will be your victory. If I lose, it will also be that of the people,” he said. Rajinikanth also remembered to thank the district secretaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), with whom he held a meeting this Monday, who placed his health much above his political entry.