Rajinikanth today confirmed that he and his party – Rajini Makkal Mandram – will not be contesting in upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He issued a statement in which he said that his only focus will be Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
Rajinikanth also stressed that any usage of his name or pictures from any party will not be encouraged. In the press statement, he said, “I will not endorse or support any political party contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. I therefore request that no one uses my name, or images and flags associated with the Rajini Makkal Mandram or that of the fan clubs, to promote or support any party.”
Rajini also added, “The most important problem of Tamil Nadu is water issue. So, I request all to vote for the parties that have a solution for Tamil Nadu’s water issue and are able to implement the plan. I request all to think, analyze and vote for them.”
Many political parties, including the BJP, have expressed their intention to to form an alliance with Rajinikanth for the elections and there were speculations that he may join hands with ruling party for the elections. However, in November 2018, Rajinikanth said the BJP was a ‘dangerous party’, a comment that was criticised by the party. He later issued a clarification, in which he said, “If the opposition parties think BJP is dangerous, it must be dangerous to them. Whether it really is dangerous or not is for the people to decide. I cannot comment on this, I haven’t entirely stepped into politics yet.” He also invited Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswamy, State Congress chief Thirunavukkarasar, VCK chief Thol.Thirumavalavan and Kamal Hassan to his second daughter Soundarya’s wedding held recently.
Meanwhile, Kamal Hassan recently announced that he will contest the elections alone and not be a part of any alliance.
