The AIADMK on Friday took exception to actor Rajinikanth’s remark that the “system” in Tamil Nadu needs to be changed, saying such generalised statements are not acceptable.
“If there is a mistake please point it out, but making generalised remarks is not acceptable,” senior AIADMK leader and Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar told reporters in Chennai.
Following up on his “Tamil Nadu has good leaders. The system, however, is rotten” remark made on May 19 last year, Mr. Rajinikanth on Thursday said the system needed to be corrected first in Tamil Nadu.
Asked whether his “system is rotten” remark referred to Tamil Nadu alone or the nation in general, he said “first of all, in Tamil Nadu you have to correct it”.
Mr. Jayakumar said, “Is Mr. Rajinikanth an engineer, as it was only they who talked about ‘systems’. The actor should first work with the government to secure the rights of Tamil Nadu in securing Cauvery water from Karnataka.
The Minister recalled the drawn-out political and legal battle, steered by late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, over the Cauvery waters. He pointed out that the Tamil Nadu government was working to get the Cauvery waters and secure the “rights” of the State and delta farmers. He alleged that Karnataka was denying release of Tamil Nadu’s share of water.
“I appeal to Rajinikanth, let him correct the system there [Karnataka] ... if he takes efforts with us to secure our right of 205 tmc ft Cauvery water, it will be a good thing.”
Asked if Mr. Rajinikanth should clarify his stand on the cauvery issue, the Minister said “yes for sure, he is not talking about it.... let him clarify.”
“Don't provoke us”
The Minister asked Mr. Rajinikanth not to provoke the AIADMK. He dared the actor to make the “system” remark in terrorism-hit regions of the country.
Without specifying any particular State, he said there was no security to human life in some regions in North India due to the terrorism there. “Let him set right the system there.”
Seeks clarification on “spiritual politics” slogan
Hitting out at the actor for his “spiritual politics” slogan, the Minister claimed that Tamil Nadu was a haven of peace with a commitment to secularism. He wanted the actor to clarify what he meant by the slogan.
Mr. Rajinikanth had said “spiritual politics” meant a polity beyond religion, caste and a commitment to good governance.
Mr. Rajinikanth had all along faced the ire of pro-Tamil parties, including Nam Tamizhar party, for his political entry in a pointer to his non–Tamil Nadu origins.
Last December, he categorically asserted his political entry.
