Rajini continues consultations with friends, associates

Rajini continues consultations with friends, associates

Jaya.Menon@timesgroup.com

Chennai:03.12.2020

It may not be a nailbiter anymore, but two days after he met functionaries of his Rajini Makkal Mandram, actor Rajinikanth kept his fans guessing by continuing consultations with friends and associates. On Wednesday, longtime friend and Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam founder Tamilaruvi Manian called on the actor. “Whether he will come into politics or not, only Rajini knows…I told him that whatever decision he takes, it should not be at the cost of his health,” Manian told reporters after the meeting.

The actor continues to be a “confused man”, said friends, who either met him or spoke to him over the phone. But those close to him were unanimous that Rajinikanth’s health condition should be the sole factor influencing his decision. “He is very clear that campaigns cannot be virtual, and that he preferred direct interactions with the people. This would jeopardize his health,” a senior associate, who spoke to the actor after his November 30 consultations with RMM functionaries, told TOI.

“I told him that preparations for elections were like preparing the dough to make dosas. It has to be done well in advance. He merely laughed,” said another associate. “Moreover, for Rajini, the launching of the party has to be a grand affair. How is this possible during the Covid-19 pandemic?”

Another loyalist said it was just a matter of time before the actor cited his health to back away from politics. “His doctors have warned him about the consequences. It is just a matter of time before he makes his announcement, perhaps on his birthday on December 12 or sometime in January,” he said. The actor had hinted as much during the RMM meeting that doctors had advised him against the political adventure.

“It seems unlikely that he would take any chance with his health,” s”aid a RMM district functionary, sounding disappointed. “People believe he is a winning horse. But not if it is at the cost of his health,” said an associate, who spoke to the actor on Tuesday.