Reporter’s diary: Superstar faces backlash from veteran leader

Without actually announcing his entry into politics, the actor chose to speak out about the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act, which did not go down well with many Opposition leaders. However, one person who went all out to attack the actor’s statement was outspoken Communist veteran D Pandian. The CPI leader did not mince words when he asked Rajinikanth who gave him the authority to tutor them on the controversial Act. Pandian then advised Rajini to limit himself to acting, “which he does best”, and not speak about politics when he does not belong to any party. The no-holds-barred approach of Pandian surprised other Communist leaders who have been restrained in their criticism. Even leaders like DMK chief MK Stalin and Congress state chief KS Alagiri who are actively campaigning against the CAA, have been guarded in their response to Rajini’s justification of the Act. An Opposition leader who did not want to be named remarked that Rajini actually benefited from his Kollywood colleague Vijay’s brush with the I-T authorities as the income tax raids at Vijay’s residence dominated the headlines for quite a few days, diverting attention from Rajini’s pro-CAA stance.