It has been three years since Tamil superstar Rajinikanth informed his fans that his political entry was "definite". But, three years down the line, the "will he?" "won't he?' questions continue with no concrete answer. His well-wishers, however, along with executives of the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM)—an extension of his fan club—still hope that the superstar will change the course of politics in Tamil Nadu.
Now, with lockdown lifted, Rajinikanth is set to meet the executives of the RMM at 10 am on Monday to tell them about his final decision on whether he will take the active political plunge before the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls due in April 2021.
However with Rajinikanth's recent statements about his health and his movie Annaatthe shoot postponed due to the pandemic, his political entry seems unlikely. But, RMM functionaries have been asked to assemble at the Raghavendra marriage hall owned by him in Kodambakkam.
RMM have sought permission from the Kodambakkam police to accommodate 50 people at the marriage hall for the meeting, giving their assurance that participants will wear masks and maintain social distancing during the meeting.
The meeting assumes significance, as a statement of his health was leaked in the media. The statement said how his doctors have advised Rajinikanth against entering politics in view of his health and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which posts challenges like conducting public meetings. The letter also said that the superstar underwent a kidney transplant in 2016.
While Rajinikanth went on to deny writing the letter, he said the parts about his health were true as well as the doctors' advice given to him. He tweeted saying he would discuss with the RMM office bearers and announce his political stand.
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) October 29, 2020
However, after the statement, RSS ideologue S. Gurumurthy, who is considered a close advisor to Rajinikanth, called on the actor at his residence in Chennai, twice. After the meeting, his magazine Thuglak reported saying, "Rajinikanth getting into politics is doubtful."
Incidentally, after this BJP leader and Home Minister Amit Shah was in Chennai; while Gurumurthy called on the home minister to discuss various political happenings in the state, the ruling AIADMK confirmed its alliance with the BJP.
