Anti-climax to political show, Rajini calls ‘cut’ before action

Anti-climax to political show, Rajini calls ‘cut’ before action

Cites God And Health, Says Sorry

D.Govardan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:30.12.2020

In the climax of his 2002 flop ‘Baba’, Rajinikanth makes a last-minute return from sanyaas to socio-political life. On Tuesday, the actor made a virtual repeat of the theme, this time in reverse, going back on his promise to launch a political party.

“I regret to announce that I am not in position to launch a party and enter politics. Only I know the pain behind this announcement. This will come as a disappointment to the members of RMM (Rajini Makkal Mandram), my fans and people. Forgive me,” Rajinikanth said in a three-page statement. “Some people may ridicule me. But fearing them, I cannot sacrifice those who trust and travel with me,” he said. Rajinikanth, who was shooting in Hyderabad for his latest movie last week, was hospitalised for three days with complaints of fluctuating blood pressure after four of the crew members tested positive for Covid-19. He tested negative for the virus. Rajinikanth’s announcement on Tuesday came as a shock for some, disappointment for some others, who were anticipating the actor’s promised December 31announcement.

Relief for both DMK, AIADMK

Both the DMK, which was worried about Rajinikanth taking away a chunk of the anti-incumbency votes, and the AIADMK — whose negotiating position with allies like the BJP that were looking at other options has been bolstered — must be feeling relieved. P 2

Left us politically orphaned: Fans

The three-page letter came as a bolt from the blue for his fans. “We formed booth panels in 70% polling stations. He had enough time to launch party in the last two years. He has left us politically orphaned,” said an RMM district secretary. P 2

‘Went for Hyd shoot against doc’s advice’

Fans took to social media to express their views; many wished him good health. Some of them regrouped in front of his Poes Garden residence to make a last ditch attempt to make Rajini reconsider his decision.

“Vaanga Thalaiva, Naanga Irukkom” (Come out, leader, we are here), one of the fans tweeted. “You do not worry. We will take care of the hard work,” said another. RSS ideologue and Tuglak editor S Gurumurthy termed Rajinikanth's decision as “inevitable”. He hoped Rajinikanth would still make an impact in the coming elections as he did in the 1996 assembly polls (when the actor had issued a statement against Jayalalithaa), which the DMK-TMC alliance won with a big majority.

In his statement, Rajinikanth said despite the advice from doctors not to venture out, he had travelled to Hyderabad to shoot for a film. All the 120 people who participated in the shooting were made to follow strict Covid protocols and undergo tests every day, he said. “Still four people tested positive for Covid and the director halted the shooting to carry out Covid tests for all. The result was negative for me. But due to severe fluctuations in my blood pressure, I was admitted to a hospital and was monitored for three days. Fluctuating blood pressure is harmful for my transplanted kidney. I considered it as a warning from God. If despite strict protocols, four out of 120 could test positive, what could happen when thousands and even lakhs assemble for my campaign,” Rajinikanth said.

The actor said he cannot trigger his desired uprising by campaigning merely via social media and videos. “If I venture out, it could become a big risk for all, especially when a second wave of the virus is spreading. If a well-organised film shoot can result in my hospitalization for three days, participating in an election campaign could become even more risky and I do not want to leave people in the lurch midway,” he said. RMM functionaries have toiled hard over the past three years and served the people during Covid. Their efforts will not go waste. RMM will continue to function as usual. “I will continue to serve the people away from electoral politics. I never hesitated in expressing my honest opinion,” the actor said, thanking his RMM secretaries for abiding by his decisions.