Rajinikanth will enter politics: HKM leader Arjun Sampath
What's the story
Superstar Rajinikanth will enter politics claimed Arjun Sampath, the Founder and State President of Hindu Makkal Katchi party. After an hour-long meeting with the megastar at his Poes Garden residence, Sampath stated the actor will free Tamil Nadu from "the clutches of Dravidian rule". The HMK leader urged Rajini to enter politics to which he responded he is preparing for the same.
Party details?
Will Rajini float his party or join any other?
Arjun Sampath said that the superstar expressed his desire to work for the development of Tamil Nadu and also the country. He further claimed, "For sure Rajinikanth is coming into politics and he will be launching his own political party." Hindu Makkal Katchi's General Secretary Rama Ravikumar and Youth wing General Secretary D Gurumurthy also interacted with the actor.
Quote
HMK Chief Arjun Sampath's statement
Sampath stated: "Tamil Nadu has been suffering under the Dravidian rule for the last 50 years. I told Rajinikanth that his service was much required for the people of Tamil Nadu, given the prevailing political situation in the state."
Response
Rajinikanth's response was good, says Sampath
According to Sampath, Rajini said the political system is corrupt and he would be guilty if does nothing about it. The HMK leader said that only Rajinikanth can fix the system and bring out an alternative politics. The actor also said he wants to realize the project of interlinking the Himalayan and peninsular rivers into a single national grid.
His take?
Rajini plays down HMK leaders' visit
Sampath and Rajini also reportedly had discussions over spirituality, apart from politics. They talked about Tamil saints such as Nayanars and Alvars as well as Swami Sachchidanand Saraswati and Dayanand Saraswati, of whom Rajinikanth is an ardent disciple. Surprisingly, the actor later played down the HMK leaders' visit saying, "It was just a courtesy visit by leaders of Hindu Makkal Katchi."
Conclusion
Rajini makes first direct address regarding political entry
On 15 May, Rajini hinted at entering politics by saying that if he joins politics he will take on the money-making, power-hungry politicians. On 18 June, he met farmers demanding interlinking of rivers in Chennai. He reportedly promised Rs. 1cr towards it and assured their plea will be represented to PM Narendra Modi. Looks like he is seriously gearing up to join politics.