Holding IPL matches in Chennai while rest of TN protesting over Cauvery is shameful: Rajinikanth

The Tamil film fraternity threw its weight behind superstar Rajinikanth, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan and other artistes, who joined the ongoing statewide protests here on Sunday, demanding the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board and closure of the Sterlite Copper plant in Tuticorin.  

Rajinikanth, who recently made his foray into active politics, observed that holding the IPL matches in capital Chennai was an “embarrassment” when the entire state was protesting over the Cauvery issue. Talking to media persons, he said IPL players and spectators should wear black bands to mark their protest.

The 67-year-old actor warned that the Centre would earn Tamil Nadu’s wrath if the board was not formed on an urgent basis. “There has already been a delay,” said the actor, who announced in December that he will launch his political party and contest all 234 seats in the assembly polls. Tamil Nadu has moved a contempt plea in the Supreme Court, seeking action against the Centre for allegedly failing to form the board within six weeks as ordered by the court on February 16.