Tamil movie star Rajinikanth, on Monday, reiterated that he will take a decision on whether or not to join politics "as soon as possible", and said that he will meet with party members. His statements come in the backdrop of a meeting with the leaders of his outfit Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) held at Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam. It has been month since the actor said "at the right time, I will let the people know about my political stand after consulting the office-bearers of Rajini Makkal Mandram". The megastar has been hinting at a political entry for quite some time now, without announcing any concrete decisions.
In the meeting, he queried the RMM executives on the advantages and disadvantages of launching the political outfit.
Assembly elections are due in Tamil Nadu in April-May 2021.
Rajinikanth had on October 29 said he has been advised against entering politics by doctors as he had undergone a kidney transplant in 2016 and due to the coronavirus pandemic. The disclosure of his health status was seen as an indication that the actor was seriously rethinking launching a political party. The Mandram, billed as a 'launch vehicle,' was seen as a preparatory exercise to help the actor float his political party successfully ahead of 2021 elections.
Earlier, 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 Thuglaq 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.
-Inputs from agencies