Rajinikanth Political Entry Row: ‘Do Not Torment Me,’ Says Rajinikanth As Fans Stage Protests Seeking His Political Entry

Rajinikanth Political Entry Row: On Sunday, scores of his fans took to streets, demanding him to withdraw his decision of not joining politics. The protests come days after he publically ruled out joining politics citing his frail health.

Chennai: Fans of superstar Rajinikanth stage a demonstration demanding from him to join politics as earlier as promised, at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. The actor, who finally appeared ready to launch his political party with a "now or never" announcement about a month ago, has now decided to opt for the latter course, citing health concerns. (PTI Photo)(PTI01_10_2021_000051B)

Rajinikanth Political Entry Row: In the wake of demonstrations staged by fans of Rajinikanth demanding him to take a political plunge, the superstar issued a statement and urged his supporters to stay away from such protests. In a long note he maintained his stand of staying away from politics and asked the protesters to not ‘torment’ as he already has explained in detail the reasons why he could not come to politics. “Some of my fans along with expelled cadres of Rajini Makkal Mandram have protested in Chennai against my decision of not entering politics. I have taken my decision, I appeal to everyone to not indulge in such things (protest) as it pains me,” he stated. On Sunday, scores of his fans took to streets, demanding him to withdraw his decision of not joining politics. The protests come days after he publically ruled out joining politics citing his frail health. A large number of protesters converged at Chennai’s Valluvar Kottam and raised slogans such as "Vaa Thalaiva Vaa" (Come leader come), urging him to embark on his political journey as assured earlier and usher in a new era in Tamil Nadu politics. The Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) has also asked the members of the group and the fans to not join any such protests and further “hurt” the veteran actor. It is to be noted that the Tamil superstart has a cult-following which was clearly seen in Sunday’s demonstration as scores of fans from different parts of the state wished him good health but at the same time demanded that he should join politics. They were seen carrying posters of the actor, even as hit songs from some of his movies were played there.