Is Rajini closing ranks with right-wing for spiritual politics?

BJP and pro-Hindu outfits have come out in defence of Rajinikanth for taking a firm stand against Tamil icon Periyar while Dravidian parties accused the actor of exposing his political colour by refusing to apologise.

Dravidian groups have strongly opposed the actor’s remark on 1971 Periyar rally in Salem saying that he had distorted the facts and sought an apology. RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy, who is also editor of Thuglak hailed the actor’s firm stand as the manifestation of his spiritual politics. “This is the manifestation of Rajini’s spiritual politics. He has clearly exposed that it is wrong to belittle anyone’s beliefs. Tamil Nadu should thank him for this,” he tweeted.

Gurumurthy seems to pointing to Rajinikanth’s promise to usher in ‘spiritual politics’ in the state.

Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Ramakrishnan hit out at the actor for speaking on the behalf of someone against Periyar. “Only last month the actor claimed that nobody could neither paint him nor Tiruvalluvar in saffron colour. Now he is contradicting himself by speaking in the language of Hindutuva forces. He is under pressure from someone to make such a statement,” he said. Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam leader Kolathur S Mani said, “He has exposed his political colour. He will make a good BJP member,” he said.

When asked about the attempt to paint Rajinikanth as BJP’s ally, Gandhiya Makkal Iyakkam leader Tamilaruvi Manian, who has been privy to the actor’s plans said that there was nothing wrong if Rajini joins hand with the BJP to come to power in the state. “In 1967, DMK founder CN Annadurai joined alliance with Rajaji’s Swatantra Party after opposing him politically. When Anna could join an alliance with Rajaji without compromising his ideology, why not Rajinikanth after launching his party join hands with the BJP for the polls,” he said, noting that he was answering the query on hypothetical basis.

He said that the actor might announce launch of his political party in April-Maythis year.

Political commentators feel that Rajinikanth statement reaffirms the political direction he would be taking in line with his promise to usher in ‘spiritual politics’ in Dravidian land.