Chennai: Since early 1990s, there were speculations that actor Rajinikanth had made up his mind for political entry. At least dialogues in his movies suggested that. The oft-repeated punchlines in his film were Varavendiya Nerathula Correctaa Varuven, Andavan Sonna Kandippa Varuven. They kept his fans in high spirits. And eventually the day arrived – 31 December, 2017.

At a time when the State had lost former Chihef Minister J Jayalalithaa, the actor surprised all by openly stating in front of a packed house at Raghavendra Kalyana Mandapam same day last year that he will enter politics.

Much to the cheers of his fans, he said, ‘I am not entering politics for name or fame. If it was for a post I would have joined in 1996. In next Assembly elections. I will form a party and will contest all constituencies in Tamilnadu’.

He added: “If we are unable to do justice to people, we will resign in 3 years.” He further stated, “We should not speak about politics till my next announcement. We should not criticise anyone or target anyone. We should wait till we are ready to swim.”

And 2018 began on a happy note for his fans. The actor too was seen more in public domain. On several occasions, he met the media. And he visited the house of M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence and sought his blessings for his political endeavour. He immediately converted his fans association as Rajini Makkal Mandram. Office-bearers were appointed at various districts. And membership drives were taken up. Members for all the 65,000 polling booths in Tamilnadu were appointed.

The actor was quoted as saying a few months ago that works to convert his makkal mandram as political party was 90 per cent complete. However politicians in Tamilnadu took on Rajinikanth and questioned him for not starting the party on several occasions.

Interestingly, if Rajinikanth was active off-screen, he was busy on screen too. Came his Kaala in the second quarter and was followed by the long-pending 2.0 hitting theatres. The actor’s much-hyped Petta is releasing 10 January.

His ardent fans say, ‘After almost several years, we have two films of ‘Thalaivar’ releasing with in a gap of 50 days. We are thrilled’.
Reports say that the actor has committed to do another film. Now, political pundits question why the actor is on a signing spree if he is serious about his political entry?

Fans say, “Rajinikanth has already given an answer to it. He said recently politics is not new to him. He had been involved in it since 1990s. Morever Rajini Makkal Mandram’s works in delta regions affected by Cyclone Gaja were phenomenal. He also visited the families of those who lost lives in Sterlite protests. He has a plan and he knows how to execute it.”

His fans wait with hope that everything would happen in 2019 as political climate is getting hot as general elections are round-the corner. For now, the wait and watch game continues.