Actor Rajinikanth opted out of politics, citing health issues. He was shooting at Hyderabad, where the film troupe suffered a few Covid cases. Following a test on all, Rajini was diagnosed with severe blood fluctuation problems, though Covid negative. He was admitted to hospital and later discharged with the rider of complete bed rest for a few days.
Rajini’s date for the final announcement of his proposed party’s shape and style were due by 31st December, which was keenly awaited by his fans and all the political parties. His announcement of backing out from politics due to health issues must have shattered many. Rajini has been showing cold feet on several occasions in the last few decades on taking a plunge into politics.
The announcement must have been honey to the ears of both mainstream Dravidian parties, the AIADMK and the DMK. Unlike Kamal, who in my opinion might wind up his political ambitions after the 2021 elections, Rajini could have been a churner, eating a chunk of the votes and causing unpredictability in the electoral outcome.
BJP is under strain, as their alliance partner has demanded that the national party announce a ‘no participation in the government,’ after the polls. BJP had banked on Rajini, a sympathizer and supporter of Modi and this announcement must be a shocker and a double whammy.
BJP has been deftly making its moves, sniffing for the cracks and wedges in the DMK strongholds. There were whispers of MK Alagiri, the eldest son of Karunanidhi, ousted from DMK, floating his party and contesting from the South Tamil Nadu. He could have been a disruptor in the region.
It was only Dr Subramaniam Swamy, who has been categorical that Rajini will not be taking a plunge into politics from day one. Swamy’s reasons were far from the health issues of the star.
Rajini and Kamal are both confused with their film successes and the political reality in the State. Kamal, a progressive person, would abhor caste and creed, based on today’s politics in Tamil Nadu. On the other hand, Rajini went into a tailspin even before he started his political journey by declaring that his party will be ‘based on spiritual principles.’
Though sounding great, such noble thoughts have no place in today’s politics, vicious and corrupt. Rajini would have faded into oblivion, a defeated man, had he pursued his political career. Kamal has tasted bitter phases in his life, and the present euphoria will soon be over, the moment his investors realize that they are not betting on a winning horse.
Not without reason, I steered clear about Tamil Nadu Congress, which has failed from 1967 to stand on its own in the Southern State.
For now, the battle will be between the two alliances, the AIADMK and the DMK and their respective allies. My heartfelt sympathies to Rajini and his thousands of diehard expectant fans, and of course the BJP!
Sampath Kumar
Intrépide Voix
