Rajini asks CSK players to wear black badges

Warns Centre that it will earn the wrath of people if Cauvery Board is not formed immediately

Stating that the Centre will earn the anger and disenchantment of the people of Tamil Nadu if the Cauvery Management Board (CMB) is not formed immediately, actor Rajinikanth urged Chennai Super Kings team players and fans to wear black badges to show their solidarity with the people.

The actor also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to form the CMB.

Speaking to reporters outside his residence on Sunday, he said the formation of the board was the only demand of the people of Tamil Nadu. “While the Supreme court has clearly said that the Cauvery Management Board has to be formed, the Centre is wasting time by debating what is ‘thittam’. I would like to tell the Central government that if this fair, strong demand of the people of Tamil Nadu is not met, the Centre will have to face the anger and disenchantment of the people of Tamil Nadu. It should be formed as soon as possible,” said Mr. Rajinikanth.

He said the protests were primarily organised for poor farmers who owned small agricultural land. “We are protesting for small farmers. The protests are not focussing on their plight. The media should highlight the plight of such farmers. Even if politicians in Karnataka don’t see the point, the farmers there might understand the plight of the farmers here and it will strengthen the protests,” said Mr. Rajinikanth.

Sterlite issue

Explaining his stance on protests against Sterlite copper plant, he said, “Any industry that pollutes the environment should not be allowed in the State. Even if it brings the State several lakh crores of revenue and brings jobs for several lakhs of people, such industries shouldn’t be allowed.” Asked about the growing demand that IPLT-20 cricket matches in Chennai should be cancelled to show solidarity, Mr. Rajinikanth said, “When the whole of Tamil Nadu is protesting for the CMB, it is definitely embarrassing that a celebration such as IPL is being held at this time. If they cancel it, it will be good. If not, at least Chennai Super Kings players can play wearing a black badge in solidarity. The message will reach throughout India. If that is not possible, the fans can go to the stadium wearing a black badges in solidarity. The BCCI, IPL authorities and the owners of CSK must cooperate in this regard.”

The actor also said only the timing of appointment of Karnataka-based Surappa as the Vice-Chancellor of Anna University was wrong. “India is a country where people of all religions and castes live together. Anyone can work in any part of country. But the appointment, which has come at a time when there has been protests, was wrong,” he said.

Reacting to actor Kamal Haasan’s opinion that he would oppose his politics if he pursued ‘spiritual’ politics, the actor said, “He is not my enemy at all. My enemy is poverty, unemployment, the tears of poor, fishermen and plight of Sri Lankan refugees.”