Kamal-Rajni meeting sparks political speculation in TN
CHENNAI: A surprise meeting between megastars Rajnikanth and Kamal Haasan on Saturday has sparked speculation of a possible new political alliance involving the two. While sources in Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Neethi Mayyam (MNM) party said their leader visited his friend of over 45 years to seek support, sources close to Rajni said it was just a courtesy call.
Kamal stayed with Rajni at his Poes Garden residence for nearly 40 minutes. An MNM leader later said Kamal made the call to enquire about Rajni’s health. While Rajni had taken ill in Hyderabad on Christmas day and subsequently announced his withdrawal from politics, Kamal was on the campaign trail and had undergone a knee surgery later. With Rajni remaining a non-political star, Kamal was expected to woo him for support. A few months earlier Rajni had suggested in public that Kamal could make a good chief minister. Soon ater Rajnikanth announced that he is not entering politics, Kamal had said he would meet his friend and seek support, besides enquiring about his health.
Kamal and Rajni discussed several issues, said an MNM spokesperson.
The actor summoned MNM leaders later in the day and set a formal executive meeting for Sunday, indicating he has something important to announce. A mega meet is organised by MNM on Sunday at a private college auditorium near Chennai to celebrate third anniversary of the party.
An MNM campaign supported by Rajni could impact Tamil Nadu much, but Kollywood sources say Rajni cannot be expected to go public because of challenges to his health.
Meanwhile Chief Minister and Anna DMK leader Edappadi Palaniswamy pressed on with his agenda of welfare measures ahead of the state assembly election. On Saturday, he announced that the maximum fare to travel in Chennai Metro rail has been slashed by Rs20. The fare for a full length journey has been cut from Rs70 to Rs50. The changes are effective Monday.
The slab fares have also been reduced. Commuters will now have to pay Rs10 for a distance of up to two kilometres. Between two and five kilometres, the fare is Rs20, and for 5-12 kilometres, Rs 30. The next stage fare for a distance of up to 21 kilometres is Rs40 and beyond 21 kilometres, the fare will be capped at Rs 50.
Chennai Metro fares have been higher than even some of the Delhi routes. The Chennai Metro had come under heavy fire over the years on this count.
Palaniswamy has also withdrawn cases registered against people who participated in protests demanding the restoration of the bull-taming sport Jallikatu. In 2017, protests took place in various parts of Tamil Nadu demanding permission for Jallikatu.