The face of politics in the southern state of Tamil Nadu is all set to take a monumental turn. Tamil Superstar Rajinikanth, putting an end to his long-awaited arrival, has announced on Twitter that he will launch his political party in January next year. This decision comes ahead of the State Assembly Elections which are scheduled to take place in the summer of 2021. Since the announcement, there have been ripe developments to indicate how a BJP-Rajinikanth alliance may be on the cards, and how it may prove to be beneficial for both sides.
Rajinikanth has introduced Ra Arjunamurthy, Former President of the BJP State Unit’s Intellectual Wing, as the Chief Coordinator of his fans’ association. Arjunamurthy had resigned from his position just a day ago, evidently to join hands with the Tamil superstar.
Since this was communicated to the media in Rajinikanth’s first press conference, held minutes after the announcement of his decision of taking the political plunge, one can presume that the decision is core to his party ideals. Not only does this expose the party’s ideological leanings but also, its political leanings.
Arjunamurthy is a staunch RSS supporter and was very active on the State BJP Forums. He is also a very close confidant of BJP Tamil Nadu President L Murugan. Following the core principles of BJP, Murthy has described himself as a nationalist, much like Rajinikanth.
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According to sources, Senior Journalist Swaminathan Gurumurthy had recommended Rajinikanth to choose Arjunamurthy. He is believed to be advising the film star on all matters pertaining to his political decision. Gurumurthy also advised BJP to align with Rajinikanth ahead of the elections. He said, “There is a huge political vacuum in Tamil Nadu after the demise of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. BJP will be well advised to align with Rajinikanth. If AIADMK doesn’t take an appropriate decision, it will be a big loser,”
The decision of Rajinikanth to take the plunge has certainly caused ripples in the Tamil Nadu political circle. Shortly after his announcement, Khusbu Sundar, who recently joined BJP, said, “everyone is welcome to join us”. Even BJP leader Dr Subramanian Swamy has provoked the speculations by stating “he (Rajinikanth) is not anti-Hindutva” and that these are “interesting times” in Tamil Nadu politics.
It is pertinent to note that BJP and AIADMK have already announced their decision to ally in the upcoming elections. Even though there were murmurs about the partnership having tensions, both parties have apparently subsided with them and have decided to continue with the alliance. Now, Rajinikanth’s party may be a good potential ally for the BJP.
While announcing of his decision, the film star said, “In the forthcoming Assembly Elections, with the support of the people, it is certain that honest, monetary, transparent, non-corrupt, secular and secular spiritual politics will emerge in Tamil Nadu.”
ஜனவரியில் கட்சித் துவக்கம்,
டிசம்பர் 31ல் தேதி அறிவிப்பு. #மாத்துவோம்_எல்லாத்தையும்_மாத்துவோம்#இப்போ_இல்லேன்னா_எப்பவும்_இல்ல 🤘🏻 pic.twitter.com/9tqdnIJEml— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) December 3, 2020
Rajinikanth remains one of Tamil cinema’s biggest living icons. His popularity as an actor knows no bounds in the southern state. Certainly, his charisma, influence and stardom will be a major political factor in Tamil Nadu. An alliance between BJP and Rajinikanth’s party may prove to be vital in shaping the nature of politics in Tamil Nadu.