Rajinikanth on Sunday, May 17, denied ongoing social media speculation linking him to political manoeuvring after Vijay-led TVK electoral victory in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026, stating that there was no truth in claims about him being unhappy about Vijay becoming the Chief Minister.
While taking to mediapersons at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai, Rajinikanth put an end to rumours surrounding his relationship with Vijay and made it clear that he had no reason to feel jealous or disappointed over Vijay’s political success.
“I am holding this press meet because many criticisms are being made about me in connection with the election. If I do not respond to them, they will become accepted as the truth. After the election results, I went and met MK Stalin, and that became a subject of criticism. Our friendship is beyond politics,” Rajinikanth said.
He noted that he felt saddened after Stalin’s defeat in Kulathur.
“Rajini is not a cheap or low-standard person to speak unnecessarily about anything else. As soon as the Chief Minister won, I conveyed my congratulations to him immediately,” he addded.
Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth holds a press conference at his residence in Poes Garden.
He says, “I am holding this press meet because many criticisms are being made about me in connection with the election. If I do not respond to them, they will become accepted as the… pic.twitter.com/5gwzbKt13u
— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2026
Rajinikanth further acknowledged that Vijay-led TVK’s stunning rise in Tamil Nadu politics after the victory in 2026 Assembly elections as well as his ability to overcome the dominance of the two major Dravidian parties had taken him by surprise.
“I was extremely shocked when I heard that Vijay had become the Chief Minister. I am not in politics; it has been many days since I stepped away from politics,” he said.
“There is a 28-year age difference between Vijay and me. Here, Vijay has independently earned recognition by standing against the two major parties,” the veteran actor added.
While addressing the criticism over his absence from Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony, Rajinikanth clarified that he had never attended the oath-taking ceremonies of Chief Ministers in the past either. He stated that his decision should not be viewed through a political lens.
Further, Rajinikanth has congratulated Vijay on assuming office as Chief Minister while offering advice to his supporters and party workers.
“His fans and party workers must now be very careful. Whatever they do will ultimately affect Vijay,” he said.