New Delhi: Putting to rest the speculation of him joining the BJP, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth Friday said he would not be swayed by the many attempts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party to “saffronise” him.
In two back-to-back press conferences in Chennai, the actor said, “The BJP is trying to paint me saffron. They tried the same with Thiruvalluvar. But the fact remains that neither Thiruvalluvar nor I will fall into their trap.”
He was referring to the recent photograph released by the Tamil Nadu BJP in which poet Thiruvalluvar was dressed in saffron robes instead of his usual white shawl.
Rajinikanth added, “Thiruvalluvar is a sage…We cannot bind him under boundaries of caste and religion.” He, however, also said the poet was a believer.
The Tamil superstar’s comment comes days after Union minister and BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan met him, after the central government announced that the actor is to be honoured with the Icon of the Golden Jubliee award at the 50th IFFI (International Film Festival of India). This meeting had sparked off speculations that Rajinikanth was invited to join the ruling party.
Asked about this meeting, Rajinikanth said, “No. They (BJP) did not offer anything. But they are trying to paint me with BJP’s colours. This is very common in politics. But it will have little effect. Some people and the media are trying to make it seem like I am a BJP man. But that is not true.”
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‘Leadership vacuum in Tamil Nadu’
Rajinikanth also said he would not contest in the upcoming local body elections in Tamil Nadu.
“Any political party will be happy if someone joins them. But it is up to me to make that decision. It is also wrong to say that a party is dependent on me,” he said.
The leader also spoke about the current economic slowdown, urging the central government to take necessary measures. When asked about Tamil Nadu’s current political scenario, with the deaths of former chief ministers J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, Rajinikanth said there was still a “vacuum for the right leader” in the state.
While announcing his political entry, Rajinikanth had last year said his politics would be on the lines of spirituality. He had explained how by spirituality he meant “relating to dharma and equity” and his politics would have “no links with caste or religion”.
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