Rajni ‘disappointed’ over issue that he doesn’t reveal

CHENNAI: Megastar Rajnikanth on Thursday told the media after a meeting with district secretaries of his Rajni Makkal Mandram (RMM) that he is “disappointed about one issue,” but did not explain what it is.

Speaking to mediapersons at his Poes Garden residence after meeting the officials of RMM, which is an outfit crafted out of his fan club and to serve as a basis for his political party, the actor said: “We discussed a lot. I cannot divulge all details.

“I discussed a lot with district heads. They are satisfied. It went well, but personally, I am disappointed about one issue. I shall tell when the time comes.”

Rajni referred to Muslim leaders meeting him recently. “The meeting with Muslim leaders recently was sweet. It was about brotherhood, love and peace. They asked for my support.

“I suggested them to meet the (Union) Home Minister and express their concerns. I have told them I will help them. We discussed CAA. I requested them to hold consultations with religious heads and not politicians. “May be a meeting with Prime Minister Modi or Home Minister Amit Shah may help solve the problems. I assured my fullest co-operation in their attempts.”

Asked about an alliance with Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, he said, ”Time will answer.” He admitted that he discussed with his district secretaries on joining hands with Kamal.

As the meeting that raised so much expectation ended, the actor, in his typical fashion, declined to make a declaration.

Rajni, who announced his political debut on Dec.31, 2017, is yet to launch his party. He seeks to fill the leadership vaccum created by the death of DMK patriarch M. Karunanidhi and his arch rival and ADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa.

The actor has declared that he will contest the assembly general elections and launch his party ahead of the elections that are due early in 2021.

Rajni held the meeting with RMM officials at his Sri Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam in Kodambakkam an year after the outfit was floated.

He had always been considered as an ally of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and had supported the CAA. However, the actor is not willing to alienate his Muslim followers who are crucial in several constituencies.

He came out with a promise that he will stand solidly with Muslims and lead a protest if the CAA brings them any suffering. It should be recalled that Rajni mounted an attack on the Centre for its failure to deal with the Delhi riots firmly.

Representatives of Tamil Nadu Jama’atul Ulama Sabai called on Rajnikanth at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai on Sunday and explained to him the impact that CAA, NRC and NPR will have on Muslims.