Jayalalithaa suffered defeat in 1996 polls because of me, says Rajinikanth
The cinema connection of the Dravidian politics in the state of Tamil Nadu is world renowned. Movie actors have left a long lasting impact on the government making or breaking activities for a long time now.
Stars like MGR and Jayalalithaa have even served as the Chief Ministers of the state. The story of Jayalalithaa making it to the top in the male-dominated society are well heard in the entire country. Her policies and their impacts on the common people of the state gained worldwide appreciation.
Following this streak, the superstar of all times and Thalaiva Rajinikanth has made a political statement. His statement can raise the brows of many of his followers who look upon Jayalalithaa and otherwise.
Addressing a condolence meeting organised by the South Indian Artistes’ Association, he claimed that Amma lost the election in 1996 because of him. Lately turned 66, the legendary actor, registered his presence to pay rich tributes to the late Chief Minister and referred her as ‘Kohinoor diamond’. Rajinikanth also had high words for Amma and the way she made it to top ruling out the difficulties in a male dominated society.
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Mind you! Jayalalithaa was forced to leave the assembly with a torn saree after being ill-treated in the presence of the speaker. It was then she promised to not to return until the DMK chief Mr Karunananidhi is in the power. It was the year of 1989 and in 1991, she was sworn in as the CM of the state with a thumping victory of 224/234 in the state polls and winning all the 39 seats of Lok Sabha. (It was an alliance with Congress)
Giving a thought to his previous claims 20 years back, Rajinikanth mentioned that it was his strong words used against Jayalalithaa which led to her defeat. He even did not shy away from accepting that he hurt her then with his remarks like “even god can’t save Tamil Nadu” if Jayalalithaa’s AIADMK was elected to power again.
His statements then were taken handily by his followers and this left Amma with no choice than to sit in opposition. As a result, the then DMK-TMC (Tamil Maanila Congress) combine had swept the polls amid strong anti-incumbency.
However, in the same event, Rajinikanth claimed that he is carrying different views for Jayalalithaa now and that she proved herself to be a “golden-hearted” leader. He emphasised on her struggle how she made it to the assembly in a patriarchial society.
Inheriting the legacy from her mentor, MGR, she overtook the position in her party AIADMK and transformed it into the biggest nightmare for their opposition. We all have seen the images were Amma was manhandled in the assembly and what followed next is a history to learn from!
Rajinikanth further appreciated her coming from a humble background. Losing her father at a mere age of two and her mother at 22, she bore the rage of time. Despite these hardships, she was successful in making a career by her hard work and right moves in the male-dominated society.
“Today, she is resting like a Kohinoor diamond at the MGR memorial site and enjoys the love and affection of so many people.” The challenges she faced polished her to become the gem of a person she was!
Jayalalithaa is seen as the mother in Tamil Nadu. She was the face of female liberalism and her policies of child adoption, pharmacies, distribution of table fans, free laptop to students etc made her the queen of Tamil hearts. Amma canteen serves better quality food at cheaper rates to lakhs of people every day. All these points could be seen as a reference to the statement made by Rajinikanth.
