Rajinikanth extends support to Anna Hazare

CHENNAI : 23/08/2011 : Members fo the Tamil Film Industry observing a one-day fast for support of Anna Hazare in Chennai on Tuesday. Photo : M_Vedhan

The film fraternity in Tamil Nadu, led by superstar Rajinikanth and a host of actors and directors, on Tuesday extended support to the fast by Anna Hazare and his team in New Delhi.

In a statement of support sent to the Chennai chapter of India Against Corruption (IAC), Mr. Rajinikanth said there could be no doubt that corruption was a dreaded disease that needed to be weeded out from society. Expressing happiness that the country had a very able and dedicated leader in Anna Hazare to lead the fight against corruption, the actor said he wholeheartedly supported the IAC movement in its campaign to get the Jan Lokpal Bill legislated in Parliament.

Congratulating all Indians who lent their support to this “bloodless revolution,” Mr. Rajinikanth noted that this kind of peaceful movement was possible only in India, birthplace of satyagraha. “I am very proud to be an Indian,” the actor said in conclusion.

IAC Chennai chapter's co-ordinator R. Upendran said Mr. Rajinikanth's support would go a long way in creating awareness among the public on Mr. Hazare, Jan Lokpal Bill and IAC. Of the 22 people on indefinite fast here, one person diagnosed with jaundice was admitted to hospital for treatment.

At a daylong fast organised at the South Indian Film Chamber on Tuesday, actors and directors participated in large numbers in support of Mr. Hazare. Among them were Suriya, Arjun, Rohini, Cheran, Parthiban, A.R. Murugadoss, Thangarbatchan, Manobala and R.K. Selvamani.

“We wanted to encourage the thousands of youth behind Anna fighting corruption. Only when there is mass mobilisation, there will be a solution. It is heartening to see that people are protesting in streets after decades, bringing alive the pre-Independence spirit,” said Parthiban.

A section of traders also shut shops in Sowcarpet to show solidarity with the movement.

On Wednesday, students of Veltech Engineering College, Velammal Engineering College, SRM University and many other colleges have promised to visit the fasting venue in hundreds, said Banu, co-ordinator, IAC Chennai chapter.