Taking strong exception to actor Rajinikanth’s recent remark that the political system in Tamil Nadu was rotten, the Minister for Cooperation, Sellur K. Raju, has asserted that the actor’s proposed plunge into politics will only end up making him one among the several matinee idols of the past who failed in their political endeavours.
“On the one hand, he says the system in Tamil Nadu is rotten, and on the other, he says [DMK leader] M.K. Stalin is an able person. He should clarify as to how the system is rotten,” Mr. Raju said. Stating that each and every Cabinet Minister was working hard for peace and development in the State, he contended that the only person who was claiming that the State government had failed on multiple fronts was Mr. Stalin.
“Mr. Rajinikanth has two more movies in the pipeline, and, as in the past, he has made political statements to ensure that his films make it big in the box office,” he said.
Recalling the failures of yesteryear Kollywood icons like ‘Sivaji’ Ganesan, T. Rajendar and K. Bhagyaraj in the political arena, he said, “The only actor who was accepted by the people in politics was [AIADMK founder] M.G. Ramachandran. The fate of Vijayakant is also known. Mr. Rajinikanth knows all these facts.”
Anyone can join politics, but the people’s goodwill is with the AIADMK only, Mr. Raju said, adding, “Mr. Rajinikanth will be lost in the crowd if he enters politics.”
