Weeks after actor Rajinikanth firmly reinforced his intention to stay out of electoral politics, his close aide has now come out with a statement, saying that Rajini’s political vision can be fulfilled. “Soon, I will be before you as a changemaker, ready to serve” the letter from R. Arjunamoorthy, who was designated as the Chief Coordinator of Rajini’s impending political party cryptically states.&nbsp;

Arjunamaoorthy adds that he wished to not use the picture of the actor, as the Superstar was now fulfilling his professional commitments as a filmstar. “I touch the feet and seek the blessings of Rajini who introduced me to the masses and embark on this journey to bring change, with the hope that I will bring significant change,” he says.&nbsp;

This announcement seems interesting, as it comes from someone who is seen among the close confidantes of the actor. It is notable that Rajini had made it clear to all fans and followers that he is firm on his decision, owing to health and that “No means no” regarding his political foray.&nbsp;

Shortly after Rajini had made the announcement to not foray into politics, his close advisor Tamilaruvi Manian too had stated that he would be quitting politics once and for all.&nbsp;

Recently, an announcement from Actor Rajinikanth’s unified fan club has said that their members are free to join other political parties if they wished. It added that they could join any party of their choice, after submitting their resignation to the Rajini Makkal Mandram.&nbsp;

“Under any circumstance, Rajini will be my leader. I am a Rajini fan and I take pride in it. Owing to that concern, we will never bring disrepute to his name. With the blessings of Rajinikanth, we will fulfil his wishes” the letter mentions.&nbsp;

Arjunamoorthy was associated with the BJP intellectual wing prior to joining hands with actor Rajinikanth, hence it remains to be seen whether he is hinting at a return to the BJP or whether he would be announcing a new party or outfit along with fellow Rajini fans.&nbsp;

This announcement can also be seen in the context of what Thuglak Editor S.Gurumurthy had told Zee media earlier. Gurmurthy shared his opinion that Rajini would influence public affairs without having to formally enter electoral politics.&nbsp;

“Rajini’s stature is different and his words can bring about change. I believe that he can create an impact in politics without formally stepping in. That’s what Rajini has indicated in the penultimate para of his statement (in Tamil) - ‘Without getting into electoral politics, I will serve the people of Tamil Nadu in ways that I can’. This service is not referring to charity, this is going to be political in nature” Gurumurthy had told Zee Media in an exclusive conversation.

Weeks after actor Rajinikanth firmly reinforced his intention to stay out of electoral politics, his close aide has now come out with a statement, saying that Rajini’s political vision can be fulfilled.

Weeks after actor Rajinikanth firmly reinforced his intention to stay out of electoral politics, his close aide has now come out with a statement, saying that Rajini’s political vision can be fulfilled. “Soon, I will be before you as a changemaker, ready to serve” the letter from R. Arjunamoorthy, who was designated as the Chief Coordinator of Rajini’s impending political party cryptically states. Arjunamaoorthy adds that he wished to not use the picture of the actor, as the Superstar was now fulfilling his professional commitments as a filmstar. “I touch the feet and seek the blessings of Rajini who introduced me to the masses and embark on this journey to bring change, with the hope that I will bring significant change,” he says. This announcement seems interesting, as it comes from someone who is seen among the close confidantes of the actor. It is notable that Rajini had made it clear to all fans and followers that he is firm on his decision, owing to health and that “No means no” regarding his political foray. Shortly after Rajini had made the announcement to not foray into politics, his close advisor Tamilaruvi Manian too had stated that he would be quitting politics once and for all. Recently, an announcement from Actor Rajinikanth’s unified fan club has said that their members are free to join other political parties if they wished. It added that they could join any party of their choice, after submitting their resignation to the Rajini Makkal Mandram. “Under any circumstance, Rajini will be my leader. I am a Rajini fan and I take pride in it. Owing to that concern, we will never bring disrepute to his name. With the blessings of Rajinikanth, we will fulfil his wishes” the letter mentions. Arjunamoorthy was associated with the BJP intellectual wing prior to joining hands with actor Rajinikanth, hence it remains to be seen whether he is hinting at a return to the BJP or whether he would be announcing a new party or outfit along with fellow Rajini fans. This announcement can also be seen in the context of what Thuglak Editor S.Gurumurthy had told Zee media earlier. Gurmurthy shared his opinion that Rajini would influence public affairs without having to formally enter electoral politics. “Rajini’s stature is different and his words can bring about change. I believe that he can create an impact in politics without formally stepping in. That’s what Rajini has indicated in the penultimate para of his statement (in Tamil) - ‘Without getting into electoral politics, I will serve the people of Tamil Nadu in ways that I can’. This service is not referring to charity, this is going to be political in nature” Gurumurthy had told Zee Media in an exclusive conversation.

‘With the blessings of Rajinikanth, we’ll fulfil his wishes’ says close aide regarding Rajini’s political vision

Actor Rajinikanth has made it clear that his health takes priority above all else, despite fans holding demonstrations urging him to venture into politics formally. “I had earlier stated my reasons for not foraying into politics. My decision has been conveyed” he informed in a letter to his fans.

The veteran actor also humbly requested his fans to not hurt him by repeatedly holding events, demanding that he enter the political arena.&nbsp;

On Sunday, the actor’s fans and some functionaries of his fan club had held a peaceful demonstration in Chennai, demanding that their ‘Thalaivaa’ (leader) also lead them in the political battle.&nbsp;

Holding banners that read `Va Thalaivaa Va’ (Come Leader Come), ‘Ippo Illaina, Eppovum Illai’ (If Not Now Never), they urged the 71-year old to reconsider the announcement that was made on December 29,&nbsp;2020.&nbsp;

Appreciating his fans and followers for having held the event in a disciplined manner, he also added that it was disappointing to note how they had violated the diktat from the leadership. He also thanked those who stayed away from the event, abiding by the leadership’s request.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/rajinikanth">Rajinikanth</a> was expected to announce his political plans on December 31, but a health setback caused by fluctuations in blood pressure had led the actor to call it quits.&nbsp;

On December 3rd, last year he had said that it was time to change the fate of Tamil Nadu and that it was now or never. Regarding the risks posed by Covid-19 he also said that there wouldn’t be anyone happier than himself if something untoward happened to him while working for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

It was on December 31, 2017, that Rajinikanth had announced his decision to float a political party to practice 'spiritual politics' and contest all 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu in 2021.

Actor Rajinikanth has made it clear that his health takes priority above all else, despite fans holding demonstrations urging him to venture into politics formally.

Actor Rajinikanth has made it clear that his health takes priority above all else, despite fans holding demonstrations urging him to venture into politics formally. “I had earlier stated my reasons for not foraying into politics. My decision has been conveyed” he informed in a letter to his fans. The veteran actor also humbly requested his fans to not hurt him by repeatedly holding events, demanding that he enter the political arena. On Sunday, the actor’s fans and some functionaries of his fan club had held a peaceful demonstration in Chennai, demanding that their ‘Thalaivaa’ (leader) also lead them in the political battle. Holding banners that read `Va Thalaivaa Va’ (Come Leader Come), ‘Ippo Illaina, Eppovum Illai’ (If Not Now Never), they urged the 71-year old to reconsider the announcement that was made on December 29, 2020. Appreciating his fans and followers for having held the event in a disciplined manner, he also added that it was disappointing to note how they had violated the diktat from the leadership. He also thanked those who stayed away from the event, abiding by the leadership’s request. Rajinikanth was expected to announce his political plans on December 31, but a health setback caused by fluctuations in blood pressure had led the actor to call it quits. On December 3rd, last year he had said that it was time to change the fate of Tamil Nadu and that it was now or never. Regarding the risks posed by Covid-19 he also said that there wouldn’t be anyone happier than himself if something untoward happened to him while working for the welfare of the people of Tamil Nadu. It was on December 31, 2017, that Rajinikanth had announced his decision to float a political party to practice 'spiritual politics' and contest all 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu in 2021.

'No means no', says Rajinikanth to fans who want him in politics

Actor Rajinikanth said that he would reveal the decision on his political foray as soon as possible, after meeting the district secretaries of his unified fan club — Rajini Makkal Mandram.&nbsp;

“In the meeting with district secretaries, they shared their thoughts and I shared mine. They have assured to stand by me in whatever decision I take” he told media outside his Poes garden residence.&nbsp;

The November 30th meeting with his unified fan club is his first publicized in-person event, that has taken place following the Covid-19 pan-India lockdown in late March.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-tweets-couldve-avoided-mistake-after-court-warned-of-imposing-cost-335479">Rajinikanth tweets 'Could’ve avoided mistake' after court warned of imposing cost</a>

About a month back, Rajini had dismissed a statement (that was rumoured to be his)which was doing the rounds on social media, claiming that he was quitting politics. However, he agreed that some contents of the statement pertaining to his health were true and that he would hold discussions with the functionaries of his unified fan club and inform people of his political stance.&nbsp;

The letter which was doing the rounds and was said to be ‘leaked’ mentioned that, the actor’s doctors had expressed reservations over Rajini getting into active politics, as he had undergone a kidney transplant and owing to the fact that there was no vaccine for Covid-19 yet.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-to-withdraw-case-against-property-tax-after-court-warns-of-imposing-cost-335167">Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost</a>

There was also high uncertainty expressed over the actor’s course of action even when a vaccine became available, given that there were doubts over how at the age of 70, with existing medical conditions he would respond to the vaccine. All these hinted towards the actor quitting politics to the prevailing scenario and that the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were due by Summer 2021.&nbsp;

The text of a letter that was said to be Rajini’s, mentioned that if he were to start a party it would have to be firmed up by December and the announcement would have to come by January 15th. However, apprehension was also raised regarding the possibility of his health deteriorating after his entry into active politics, which would mean meeting people and holding rallies amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

“There is a statement similar to that of mine which is doing the rounds on social media and appearing on media. Everyone knows that it is not my statement. However, some of the details on that statement which refer to my heath condition and the medical advise given to me are true. At the right time I will discuss with the functionaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram and inform the people about my political stance” reads the actor’s tweet in Tamil.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/not-eyeing-cms-post-want-political-change-says-rajinikanth-285830">Not eyeing CM's post, want political change, says Rajinikanth</a>

In recent months, speculation has only grown about the actor’s political plunge, with posters cropping up in different parts of the state calling for his plunge into politics, as there are hardly 6 months to go for the Assembly elections.&nbsp;

It was with high expectations that Rajinikanth had called for a Press meet in Chennai on March 12th this year, however, the actor only outlined his vision for ‘cleaning up politics’ and refused to commit on his own political foray. “I have never even thought of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go and seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this” he said.&nbsp;

“We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20percent of the votes, this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026 I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come make my entry” he had said cryptically in March.&nbsp;

It is notable that without having formally entered politics, Rajini has been making statements showing his political tilt and influencing opinions and different points in time. In 1995, he had spoken against the incumbent Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government, which had swung votes in favour of the DMK in the Assembly polls the following year.&nbsp;

Similarly, in the run-up to the Lok Sabha Polls in 2019, Rajini made statements that expressed support towards several initiatives and decisions of the Modi-Shah-led BJP. On different occasions, Rajini had spoken in favor of demonetization, river-interlinking project, CAA/NRC, Abrogation of Article 370 among others. He had also hailed the Modi-Shah duo as Arujna-Krishna from Mahabharata while stating that people did not know who is Krishna and Arjuna among the duo. "They only know who is Krishna and who is Arjuna" Rajini had said, while a smiling BJP President Amit Shah looked on in 2019.&nbsp;

Actor Rajinikanth said that he would reveal the decision on his political foray as soon as possible, after meeting the district secretaries of his unified fan club — Rajini Makkal Mandram.

Actor Rajinikanth said that he would reveal the decision on his political foray as soon as possible, after meeting the district secretaries of his unified fan club — Rajini Makkal Mandram. “In the meeting with district secretaries, they shared their thoughts and I shared mine. They have assured to stand by me in whatever decision I take” he told media outside his Poes garden residence. The November 30th meeting with his unified fan club is his first publicized in-person event, that has taken place following the Covid-19 pan-India lockdown in late March. Also read| Rajinikanth tweets 'Could’ve avoided mistake' after court warned of imposing cost About a month back, Rajini had dismissed a statement (that was rumoured to be his)which was doing the rounds on social media, claiming that he was quitting politics. However, he agreed that some contents of the statement pertaining to his health were true and that he would hold discussions with the functionaries of his unified fan club and inform people of his political stance. The letter which was doing the rounds and was said to be ‘leaked’ mentioned that, the actor’s doctors had expressed reservations over Rajini getting into active politics, as he had undergone a kidney transplant and owing to the fact that there was no vaccine for Covid-19 yet. Also read| Rajinikanth to withdraw case against property tax after court warns of imposing cost There was also high uncertainty expressed over the actor’s course of action even when a vaccine became available, given that there were doubts over how at the age of 70, with existing medical conditions he would respond to the vaccine. All these hinted towards the actor quitting politics to the prevailing scenario and that the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were due by Summer 2021. The text of a letter that was said to be Rajini’s, mentioned that if he were to start a party it would have to be firmed up by December and the announcement would have to come by January 15th. However, apprehension was also raised regarding the possibility of his health deteriorating after his entry into active politics, which would mean meeting people and holding rallies amid the pandemic. “There is a statement similar to that of mine which is doing the rounds on social media and appearing on media. Everyone knows that it is not my statement. However, some of the details on that statement which refer to my heath condition and the medical advise given to me are true. At the right time I will discuss with the functionaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram and inform the people about my political stance” reads the actor’s tweet in Tamil. Also read| Not eyeing CM's post, want political change, says Rajinikanth In recent months, speculation has only grown about the actor’s political plunge, with posters cropping up in different parts of the state calling for his plunge into politics, as there are hardly 6 months to go for the Assembly elections. It was with high expectations that Rajinikanth had called for a Press meet in Chennai on March 12th this year, however, the actor only outlined his vision for ‘cleaning up politics’ and refused to commit on his own political foray. “I have never even thought of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go and seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this” he said. “We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20percent of the votes, this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026 I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come make my entry” he had said cryptically in March. It is notable that without having formally entered politics, Rajini has been making statements showing his political tilt and influencing opinions and different points in time. In 1995, he had spoken against the incumbent Jayalalithaa-led AIADMK government, which had swung votes in favour of the DMK in the Assembly polls the following year. Similarly, in the run-up to the Lok Sabha Polls in 2019, Rajini made statements that expressed support towards several initiatives and decisions of the Modi-Shah-led BJP. On different occasions, Rajini had spoken in favor of demonetization, river-interlinking project, CAA/NRC, Abrogation of Article 370 among others. He had also hailed the Modi-Shah duo as Arujna-Krishna from Mahabharata while stating that people did not know who is Krishna and Arjuna among the duo. "They only know who is Krishna and who is Arjuna" Rajini had said, while a smiling BJP President Amit Shah looked on in 2019.

Suspense continues: 'Will reveal my decision ASAP', says Rajinikanth on political foray

With hardly 8 months to go for the highly anticipated assembly election in Tamil Nadu, posters have surfaced in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore, urging actor Rajinikanth to take the political plunge. “Change in Political culture and government; Party and government are separate entities - if not now, never!” the posters carried some of Rajini’s own slogans. The poster mentions the name of a fan, who conceptualised it and posted it.

It was with high expectations that Rajinikanth had called for a Press meet in Chennai on March 12, 2020, however, the actor only outlined his vision for ‘cleaning up politics’ and refused to commit on his own political foray. “I have never even thought of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go and seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this” he said. 
 
Rajini had said that his prospective party would have only limited booth-level committee roles, so as to prevent them from missing power following victory, as was the case with mainstream parties. He had visualised a party wherein 60-65 per cent persons would be below 50. “Youth with an adequate qualification and a decent social standing. The remaining 30-40percent would consist of retired Judges, IAS, IPS and politicians. This would also include women” he said. 
 
However, pan-India lockdown was imposed in late March and since then there have been no public events, announcements or political statements from the actor. Having been non-committal about his political foray has further fueled talks of his party being launched in November. Such speculation that has been doing the rounds has forced Rajini’s publicist to issue a statement. The statement requested the media to refrain from visiting the upscale Poes garden locality (where the actor resides) and avoid crowding there in anticipation of a possible media interaction by the actor.

<img alt="Rajinikanth" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3521ab21-2c2e-4f3f-a50c-c533d42a29fc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Rajinikanth%20Poster.jpg" /> 
 
Functionaries who are part of the actor’s unified fan club - Rajini Makkal Mandram also told WION that the actor has not held virtual meetings or any discussions with them since March this year. The actor had earlier said that his own outfit’s district functionaries were unhappy with the proposal of the actor not being the Chief Minister candidate, of the prospective party.

&nbsp;“We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20percent of the votes, this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026 I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come make my entry” he had said cryptically in March.

With hardly 8 months to go for the highly anticipated assembly election in Tamil Nadu, posters have surfaced in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore, urging actor Rajinikanth to take the political plunge.

With hardly 8 months to go for the highly anticipated assembly election in Tamil Nadu, posters have surfaced in Tamil Nadu’s Vellore, urging actor Rajinikanth to take the political plunge. “Change in Political culture and government; Party and government are separate entities - if not now, never!” the posters carried some of Rajini’s own slogans. The poster mentions the name of a fan, who conceptualised it and posted it. It was with high expectations that Rajinikanth had called for a Press meet in Chennai on March 12, 2020, however, the actor only outlined his vision for ‘cleaning up politics’ and refused to commit on his own political foray. “I have never even thought of becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu or sitting in the Assembly and speaking. It is not even in my blood. I want a new wave, new power and new blood to go and seize power in the assembly and Rajini will be a bridge for this” he said. Rajini had said that his prospective party would have only limited booth-level committee roles, so as to prevent them from missing power following victory, as was the case with mainstream parties. He had visualised a party wherein 60-65 per cent persons would be below 50. “Youth with an adequate qualification and a decent social standing. The remaining 30-40percent would consist of retired Judges, IAS, IPS and politicians. This would also include women” he said. However, pan-India lockdown was imposed in late March and since then there have been no public events, announcements or political statements from the actor. Having been non-committal about his political foray has further fueled talks of his party being launched in November. Such speculation that has been doing the rounds has forced Rajini’s publicist to issue a statement. The statement requested the media to refrain from visiting the upscale Poes garden locality (where the actor resides) and avoid crowding there in anticipation of a possible media interaction by the actor. Functionaries who are part of the actor’s unified fan club - Rajini Makkal Mandram also told WION that the actor has not held virtual meetings or any discussions with them since March this year. The actor had earlier said that his own outfit’s district functionaries were unhappy with the proposal of the actor not being the Chief Minister candidate, of the prospective party. “We need to tell people, this is not for Rajini, this is for the people of Tamil Nadu. I’m not here to get 15-20percent of the votes, this is my only chance. I am 71 years old and by the next polls in 2026 I will be 76. Once the message reaches more people and the common people want a change, let me see that happen and I will come make my entry” he had said cryptically in March.

'Now or never' read posters in Tamil Nadu urging Rajinikanth to take political plunge

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

"This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai.

He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday.

Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor.

On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added.

On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role.

About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna."

He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-indian-superstar-rajinikanth-to-attend-pm-modis-oath-taking-222206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders.

"I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do."

In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

&nbsp;

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership.

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a "charismatic" leader like Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi and attributed the BJP's massive win in the Lok Sabha polls to his leadership. "This Lok Sabha poll victory is a win for the individual leadership called Modi. It is the victory for a charismatic leader," he told reporters in Chennai. He also said that he would be attending Modi's swearing-in on Thursday. Speaking of the impact of leadership in politics he said, at the central level or state level, leaders are those who lead the respective parties to victory. "At the national level, after Jawaharlal Nehru, there were Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Vajpayee and now Narendra Modi. At the state level in Tamil Nadu, we had a Kamarajar, Anna, Kalaignar, MG Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa," said the actor. On the national mandate he said, apart from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, there has been a Modi wave that has swept across, and that "nobody could swim against it". "Those who went with the wave have won," he added. On the dismal performance of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu he said that the the issues such as NEET, hydrocarbon extraction project, Sterlite police firing and the strong campaign of the opposition parties have played a major role. About his expectations from the new government he said, "They should definitely take Tamil Nadu seriously and work for the state and also link the rivers Cauvery, Godavari and Krishna." He also appreciated fellow actor and debutant politician Kamal Haasan for garnering around four per cent vote share on debut. Rajinikanth also said that Rahul Gandhi should not resign as Congress president following the party's debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, saying he was a youngster and perhaps had not got the cooperation of senior party leaders. "I won't say he lacks leadership qualities, Congress is an age old party and has senior leaders. As a youngster it is difficult to manage senior leaders, senior Congress leaders have not co-operated well and worked hard. Rahul should not resign, he should prove that he can do." In a democracy ruling party and opposition party are important, I expect the opposition party also to be strong, said Rajinikanth.

Rajinikanth to attend Modi's swearing-in; calls BJP win in Lok Sabha polls victory for 'charismatic' leader Modi