The BJP seems to be more inclined towards Rajinikanth who has promised to usher in “spiritual politics” in the state
The sinking fortunes of the two major parties in Tamil Nadu — AIADMK and DMK — has caused the Centre to look at both Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth with interest. While Haasan has said that he will focus on Dravidian politics and has not attacked the Modi government directly so far; of the two, the BJP seems to be more inclined towards Rajinikanth who has promised to usher in “spiritual politics” in the state.
Analysts say that Rajinikanth is much closer to Prime Minister Modi and state leaders of the BJP say that they would want an alliance with him once he formally launches his party.
Haasan strong in southern Tamil Nadu
The fight over the crucial thevar vote-bank by AIADMK rebel leader Dinakaran and the AIADMK itself, may get more complicated with the entry of Haasan. Rajangam felt that Kamal Haasan who launched his party in southern Tamil Nadu, might walk away with majority community vote in the southern districts of the state. “Following his movie Thevarmagan the actor enjoys a good support base among the thevar community,” he said.
Impact on Congress
The entry of the two superstars, and the BJP’s subtle moves to woo both of them, makes one wonder as to where does this leave the Congress? Analysts say that the impact to the Grand Old Party is negligible, as its political fortunes in the state are already so poor. From being the ruling party in the state, the Congress has reduced itself to a minor player unseated by the DMK in 1967.
‘KAMAL’ ENTRY
- Announced entry into politics on his birthday (November 7) last year.
- Criticised AIADMK. He accused AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran of buying votes during the RK Nagar bypoll elections.
- Launched a website naalainamadhe.maiam.com (Naalai Namadhe meaning ‘Tomorrow is ours’).
- Met superstar Rajinikanth giving rise to speculation over the two actors joining forces.
- Also met DMK chief M Karunanidhi, the party’s working president MK Stalin and DMDK chief Captain Vijayakanth.
POLITICS & RAJINI
1996: Campaign for the legislative polls against late CM Jayalalithaa helped DMK oust AIADMK. He famously said, “Even God can’t save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa became Chief Minister again.”
2004: Openly pledged his support for the BJP-AIADMK alliance during the Lok Sabha elections. The alliance won zero seats that year.
2011: Announced his support to AIADMK in the Assembly polls.
2014: Political stature grew during the general election when PM Modi met with him at his residence. Rajinikanth said he was a “well-wisher” of Modi and wished him “all the best”, while Modi described the superstar as a “good friend”.
2016: At a prayer meet for Jayalalithaa, Rajinikanth fondly remembered the CM saying, “She is like a diamond.”
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 "Rajinikanth")
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