Raju Mahalingam, former creative head of Lyca Productions, has been appointed secretary of the Rajini Makkal Mandram, a forum floated by actor Rajinikanth as a precursor to the launch of his political party.
Since the launch of the membership drive in January, office-bearers have been appointed in five districts.
Mr. Mahalingam said the membership drive and appointment of office-bearers for the remaining districts would be completed within 60 days.
“We are yet to complete the appointment of office-bearers but we will start issuing membership cards immediately. We are currently collating data in physical membership forms and keying in the details into the website that was launched by our leader on January 1,” he told The Hindu on Thursday. “Our goal is to make Rajinikanth the next Chief Minister,” he added.
“Once we enter the data of members who have joined the Makkal Mandram so far, we will release the official numbers,” he said, adding that IT teams have been formed at the panchayat union-level to help upload the data gathered through the membership forms.
Dismissing rumours that Mr. Rajinikanth is likely to start touring the State from April, he said that big decisions would be taken after the membership drive is completed.
“Mr. Rajinikanth has first asked us to focus on this membership drive and the appointment of office-bearers. Things will be decided after we create and strengthen the structure of the party at all levels across the State,” he added.
