I am not MGR, but can give pro-poor rule like him: Rajinikanth

In his first public speech since entry into politics, actor-politician Rajinikanth on Monday challenged both the AIADMK and DMK, stating that only he could provide Tamil Nadu a good, pro-poor, welfare government. A government that is secular and cares for the common man just as the AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran did.

Addressing a packed auditorium at the Dr MGR Education and Research Institute here, Rajiinikanth, while clarifying that he could not become another MGR, claimed that he could provide Tamil Nadu the same kind of governance. 

“With the help of people’s endorsement, support of youth, using technology and having thinkers and intellectuals with me, I can provide the governance that MGR gave,” Rajinikanth said in an apparent attempt to inherit the AIADMK leader’s legacy and his cadre base. 

Reacting to criticism on his spiritual politics, an energised Rajinikanth clarified that “a truthful, honest, transparent, secular journey in the path of righteousness is spiritual politics. To go one step further, let me state that probity in public life is spiritual politics. Clean politics is spiritual politics. Love for all life forms, having faith in god and a secular outlook is spiritual politics,” he said.

 

Taking a dig at DMK Working President MK Stalin who claimed that spiritual politics won’t work in Tamil Nadu, Rajini said, “If spiritual politics won’t work in TN, does that mean that is no probity in Dravidian land, no scope for clean, honest and secular politics? You are going to witness spiritual politics in TN only from now.” 

Alluding to the political vacuum in the state caused by the demise of late chief minister Jayalalithaa and the illhealth of DMK supremo Karunanidhi, Rajinikanth said that he was ready to fill the void in leadership in Tamil Nadu politics now as the state needed a strong leader. As for the timing of his entry, he said, “People ask why I have chosen to enter politics now. Why not when Jayalalithaa was alive? But I do not have to remind everyone what happened in 1996. I can hold my own.” 

Responding to criticism, mostly from AIADMK leaders, that actors should stay away from politics, Rajini said that he made the decision as the present politicians of the state were not doing their job properly.  

“I didn’t expect a red-carpet welcome but why mock and discourage. Politics is strewn with thorns and snakes,” he said. 

On his relationship with MGR, he said that they had shared a bond going back to his early days as an actor. The then Chief Minister was instrumental in his marriage to Latha and had guided him through difficult times in his career. Rajinikanth also spoke of his admiration for MGR and his reign as chief minister. 

He ended the speech exhorting students to focus on their education and gain degrees before entering politics – “Even if I start a party tomorrow, do not enter the party while you are still a student. Cast your vote and focus on education.” 

Rajinikanth also urged students to embrace English to advance professionally which he claimed would help Tamil grow. “Only when the people of Tamil Nadu develop, Tamil will grow. People like Abdul Kalam and Sundar Pitchai have made Tamil Nadu proud.”