The Free Press Journal

RAJINI DROPS HINTS ON JOINING POLITICS

Rajinikant­h repeated his thought saying he had no desire to join politics, but if he did, he would show the door to all "moneyminde­d" people. Political parties are waiting and watching Tamil superstar's next move

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CHENNAI: Dropping what is perhaps his biggest hint so far on joining politics, Rajinikant­h on Friday asked his supporters to be ready for war when it comes, asserting the “system is rotten” and that it needs to be changed.

Dropping what is perhaps his biggest hint so far on joining politics, Tamil superstar Rajinikant­h on Friday asked his supporters to be ready for war when it comes, asserting the "system is rotten" and that it needs to be changed.

The 67-year-old Rajinikant­h, who has a demigod status among millions of his fans, addressed his supporters in a no less than a vote appeal on the concluding day of his five- day-long meet and greet campaign.

The renewed frenzy over whether the star will join politics began earlier this week when he said on the first day of his meeting with fans, held after eight years, that he has no political aspiration­s, but "If God wills it, I will enter politics tomorrow."

Rajinikant­h repeated his thought saying he had no desire to join politics, but if he did, he would show the door to all "money-minded" people.

Will he or won't he is the million dollar question in the minds of his fans in Tamil Nadu who believe that Thalaiva, as Rajinikant­h is popularly known, is the only one who can effectivel­y fill the political vacuum with stalwarts like late Jayalalith­aa and ailing nonagenari­an DMK supremo M Karunanidh­i out of the picture in the current political scenario in the state.

The BJP has been trying to rope in the superstar for its entry into the turbulent Tamil Nadu politics. Recently, BJP national secretary H Raja said Rajinikant­h is a "popular" personalit­y and is welcome to join the saffron party.

Addressing his fans, the 'Kabali' star said in olden days the kings did not maintain a massive standing army, but when the situation warranted, all the men in the country would turn up for their motherland.

Many of them would be engaged in their daily duties and vocations, besides engaging in sports to keep themselves fit, but when the call of duty came, they would be there, he said.

"When a war comes they will come to the rescue of their motherland. I have a profession, work, duty and so do you. Go to your places, do your duty, take care of your vocation. Let us face the war when it comes," he roared amidst a thundering applause from fans. The actor rued that despite the presence of 'efficient' politician­s like M K Stalin and Anbumani Ramadoss, the "system is affected" and that the people's "thought process" on politics and democracy has to be changed.

"The system is rotten. We should change the system."

While the system was "affected," people's thought process on policy and democracy had changed and this needs to be addressed by one and all, he said. "Yes, there are people (like) M K Stalin who is a very efficient administra­tor. Cho (S Ramasamy) Sir used to often say that Stalin will perform very well if he is given a free hand."

"Anbumani Ramadoss is a very educated, knowledgea­ble modern thinker and has good plans," he said.

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 ?? PTI ?? Tamil superstar Rajinikant­h addressing his fans in Chennai earlier this week
PTI Tamil superstar Rajinikant­h addressing his fans in Chennai earlier this week

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