'Rajini should be careful in airing views'

“In Tamil Nadu, Hindutva forces have been opposing the thoughts of Periyar, ideologically and by violent methods. Not only was Rajinikanth dragged in by such forces, but it is sad that he also willingly allowed them to make use of him. There is no doubt that Rajinikanth’s speech at the Thuglak event was staged by Hindutva forces,” TNUEF general secretary K Samuelraj said in a statement.

Pointing out that the actor hailed ‘Cho’ Ramaswamy for bravely expressing his views against the 1971 superstition eradication rally in Salem led by Periyar, Samuelraj said that Rajinikanth refused to take back his remarks even after it was proved to be factually incorrect. “It is surprising that the actor was trying praise an event that happened 50 years ago without clearly understanding it. But controversial leaders like BJP national secretary H Raja backing him shows who were behind this,” the TNUEF leader said.

Further, Samuelraj asked whether Rajinikanth understood the conspiracy behind all this. “As a well-known personality, he should be very careful while airing his views. Periyar, who did not hold any government position, propagated the thoughts of self-respect among the people. He fought against discrimination and eradication of caste,” he said, condemning the miscreants who vandalised the late leader’s statue.