Rajinikanth likely to announce political party by July-end, says actor's brother

Bengaluru: Rajinikanth is expected to announce his political ambitions by the end of July, says the veteran actor's brother.

Satyanarayana Rao Gaikwad, who lives in Bengaluru, has been quoted by The Times of India as saying: "It is the people's wish that Rajinikanth should enter politics. He has just ended the first round of consultation with his fans and well-wishers who were urging him to take the plunge.”

Last week, political parties in Tamil Nadu welcomed Rajinikanth's hints that he may join politics at an appropriate time but cautioned him that it may not be all that easy in public life.

The parties felt that in a democracy anybody has the right to enter public life but added that only when he (Rajinikanth) takes the step he will know how difficult it is to survive in politics.

"He wants to meet as many fans as possible before firming up his plans. With the response being overwhelming, the outcome would be hopefully positive and Tamil Nadu will usher in a new era in politics," said the daily quoted Satyanarayana as saying.

He added that the key aim behind the move to enter politics was Rajini's intent to cleanse corruption in public life. "The government's coffers are plush with money, but it is not reaching the poor while welfare schemes are not benefiting the needy," Rao added.

He further said that Rajinikanth may not join any political party and prefers to float his own one. The name and the structure of the party were being worked out, Rajini's brother added.

Last Monday, superstar Rajinikanth told his fans that if it is God's will, he will step into the political arena.

The actor, who met his fans after a gap of some eight years in Chennai, also said if he enters politics, he will be truthful and will not entertain people who want to make money.

"God decides what we have to do in life. Right now, he wants me to be an actor and I'm fulfilling my responsibility. If God willing, I will enter politics tomorrow. If I enter, I will be very truthful and will not entertain people who are in this to make money. I won't work with such people," Rajinikanth had told his fans, who had gathered at Raghavendra Mandapam in Chennai.

The 66-year-old star described his brief stint in politics two decades ago as a "political accident".

In 1996, during the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election campaign, Rajinikanth had denounced J Jayalalithaa and her politics. His strong remarks had contributed to her defeat.

(With Agency inputs)