Rajinikanth still evasive, Mandram cadre veer towards Dravidian majors

AIADMK and DMK functionaries in Chennai, Kanniyakumari and Cuddalore are receiving enquiries from the members of Rajini Makkal Mandram seeking political openings in the Dravidian parties, confirmed multiple sources in the DMK and the AIADMK.

We are getting enquiries from all the parties, including the DMK and RMM. On Monday, Thoothukudi DMK functionary S Beemraj, who unsuccessfully contested the 2016 Assembly polls joined the AIADMK in the presence of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Our party has intensified cadre enrolment drive and our gates are open for RMM workers also, said an AIADMK spokesperson.

“There is nothing unusual in the fan club members tilting towards political parties. The Superstar’s delay in floating party had already result in a few fans moving towards the DMK and AIADMK in Kanniyakumari,” political analyst Tharasu Shyaam told DT Next.

The fans and Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) workers have spent a lot of money on organising social welfare programmes hoping that the actor will float a party. Further delay will disappoint the existing RMM members. Ahead of the Assembly polls more political migrations will take place in the state, Shyaam said.

Meanwhile, BJP functionaries are confident that the actor will definitely throw his weight behind the saffron party to fullfil his promised spiritual politics. The BJP which is ambitious to gain foothold in Tamil Nadu will also try to reach out to sulking Rajini Mandram leaders. If we do not reach out they may shift their base to other parties like DMK, Makkal Needhi Maiam or Naam Tamilar Katchi, said a BJP functionary.