Citing health reasons, Rajini scraps political plunge plan

Chennai, December 29

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Making a U-turn, superstar Rajinikanth on Tuesday announced he will not enter politics in view of his frail health, putting an end to his long-nurtured plans and describing his recent hospitalisation as a “God’s warning.”

“Only I know the pain behind making this announcement,” the 70 year-old actor said in a statement, two days before he was to spell out the contours of his party based on spiritual politics aimed at bringing a total change in the Dravidian heartland Tamil Nadu in the 2021 Assembly elections.

His decision would ‘disappoint’ members of his Rajini Makkal Mandram, seen as a precursor forum of his political party, and the people, he said, asking them to forgive him.

“….I inform with great regret I am unable to come to politics by floating a political party. Only I know the pain behind making this announcement,” he said.

Rajinikanth, however, said he would serve people in whatever ways he could without entering electoral politics.

His decision drew varied reactions with some saying it would affect the BJP while others, including fellow actor-politician Kamal Haasan, expressing disappointment. — PTI