Haasan to AIADMK, Rajini’s Politics U-Turn Draws Diverse Reactions

Kamal Haasan said that he too is disappointed, like Rajinikanth’s other fans.

Image of Rajinikanth (L) and Kamal Haasan used for representational purposes.

(Photo: Erum Gour/The Quint) 

As Rajnikanth decided not to launch his political career, Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan on Tuesday, 29 December, stated that he too is disappointed with Rajinikanth’s move.

According to ANI, Haasan, on Tuesday, said:

“I will meet Rajinikanth again after my election campaign. Like his fans, I too have been disappointed but his health is important to me.”

WHAT ARE AIADMK LEADERS SAYING?

On the other hand, leaders of the ruling All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) in Tamil Nadu have urged the actor to support the party.

The News Minute quoted AIADMK leader Mafoi Pandiarajan as saying, “He wished for MGR's rule in Tamil Nadu, and that can be given by AIADMK. So, Rajini should support us.”

Another leader, Kadambur Raju, who is the minister for Information and Publicity expressed, “Had he been in electoral politics and contested before, his announcement might have made an impact. He hadn’t even started. He had announced that he will start a party, now he has said he will not. My opinion is that this will not have any impact.”

'A DEVOUT HINDU, BUT A SECULAR MAN': CHIDAMBARAM

Meanwhile, Veteran Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday said he was happy 70-year-old is not joining politics.

Speaking to NDTV, he said, “I have been his friend for many years, going back to 1996. I had advised him earlier that he should not enter politics directly... He was a strong moral influence in 1996, and he can still be a strong moral and ethical influence in 2021 and in the future.”

He also added that, “He is a devout Hindu, but secular. His broad fan support constitutes the Dalits, OBCs, minorities. He understands the plight of underclass of India.”

WHAT HAD RAJINIKANTH SAID?

Backing out of his political debut, actor Rajinikanth, on Tuesday, said:

“This decision of mine will disappoint my fans and people, but please forgive me.”

He will not launch his political party as scheduled on account of his poor health, the actor said in a statement issued on Twitter.

In a three-page letter, the actor said he didn’t want to make the people who believe in him feel like scapegoats. His recent health conditions have come as a warning, he said.

His announcement comes two days after the actor was discharged from Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, following severe blood pressure fluctuations.