Amid his next keenly awaited move in politics, veteran star Rajinikanth on Monday unveiled a statue of late Chief Minister M G Ramachandran at a private medical college here in the presence of a huge crowd. Short of announcing his political party, Rajini invoked the legacy of late AIADMK founder, saying he was confident of giving a good administration like the yesteryear matinee idol.
Arriving at a grand reception by fans and supporters and accompanied by some prominent faces from the Kollywood, the actor unveiled the statue located at the premises of ACS Medical College and Hospital here.
Actors Prabhu, son of late thespian Sivaji Ganesan, and Vijayakumar were among those from the film industry present on the occasion.
This is Rajinikanth’s first major public engagement since he revealed his political intentions on December 31, 2017.
The ‘superstar’ had then announced that he will join politics, and field candidates in all 234 Assembly segments in the next general elections.
The road leading to the function venue was dotted with banners and posters hailing and welcoming the actor.
Rajinikanth gave away awards to some students on the occasion.
His event today comes days after contemporary Kamal Haasan launched his political party Makkal Needhi Maiam.
MGR is often referred to as the benchmark of success in politics, especially for an actor, with many other cinema professionals trying to emulate him by taking the political plunge in Tamil Nadu.
“Nobody can match MGR even in 1,000 years and that includes me,” he said referring to criticism, especially from the ruling AIADMK, that not all can emulate Ramachandran’s success in politics.
In his speech, which gave an insight into his political ideology and his priorities of his yet-to-be-launched party, Rajinikanth acknowledged he was “not MGR” and “If someone says he will be (like) MGR, he will only be a crazy man.” “But I am confident that I can give a rule like him, that will benefit the poor and the common man,” he said amidst loud cheers from the gathering.
In view of the current “political vacuum”, he added, “I am confident I will be able to give a ‘good’ administration and ‘spiritual’ governance.”
In his first political remarks since December 31 last when he announced he will enter politics, Rajinikanth, who has a large fan following, spoke of the “vaccuum” following the demise of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and ill health of 93-year-old DMK president M Karunanidhi.
The road leading to the function venue was dotted with banners and posters hailing and welcoming the actor. Rajinikanth gave away awards to some students on the occasion.
Commencing his speech by saying he had not wanted to speak politics at an educational institution, Rajinikanth said he had no option due to demands from the people.