Actor Rajinikanth likely to announce political party in July, says his brother

BENGALURU: Actor Rajinikanth’s entry into politics is all set to be firmed up by July-end, said his brother Satyanarayana Rao Gaikwad who resides in Bengaluru.

“It is the people’s wish that Rajinikanth should enter politics. He has just ended the first round of consultation with his fans and well-wishers who were urging him to take the plunge,” said Satyanarayana, insisting the star’s political foray was imminent.

Rajini met fans from 15 districts in Tamil Nadu from May 15 to 19. The consultation was given a break for the launch of his new film Kaala Karikaalan, and Satyanarayana Rao said a few more rounds of consultations would be held in June and July before Rajini comes out with a formal announcement. 

“He wants to meet as many fans as possible before firming up his plans. With the response being overwhelming, the outcome would be hopefully positive and Tamil Nadu will usher in a new era in politics,” said Satyanarayana. 

He said the main aim behind the move to enter politics was Rajini’s intent to cleanse corruption in public life.“The government’s coffers are plush with money, but it is not reaching the poor while welfare schemes are not benefiting the needy,” Satyanarayana added. 

BJP leaders say they are still hopeful of taking Rajinikanth into their party fold. “The theme of Rajini’s politics is going to be anti-corruption and other than BJP no party in Tamil Nadu is suitable to his theme,” said BJP’s Tamil Nadu president Tamilisai Sounderarajan. 

“The BJP seems to have been toying with the idea of trying its Andhra Pradesh model politics on Tamil Nadu in the next Lok Sabha elections. And Rajinikanth is its obvious choice,” said political analyst Tarasu Shyam. 

P Muralidhar Rao, BJP national general secretary in charge of the party affairs in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, said senior leaders from his party were in touch with Rajinikanth. “Talks are on with him for some time now. There is a lot of positive vibes mutually. While it is up to him to take the decision, we welcome him if he wants to join BJP,” he said.