Delhi Diary: Speculation Over Mega Star Rajinikanth's Political Role

By Shakir Husain Shakir Husain, BERNAMA’s correspondent in New Delhi shares his take on the India capital city and its unique social narrative. NEW DELHI, May 22 (Bernama) -- Speculation is rife in Tamil Nadu over south Indian film superstar Rajinikanth's possible plunge into politics. One of India's biggest stars, Rajinikanth is adored by his millions of fans. These days his every word is being scrutinised for clues whether the 66-year-old will indeed join politics and which political party he may ally with. The bigger question is, why would Rajinikanth join politics? His stardom is greater than any fame or status politics can probably offer him. If he does enter politics, will he be able to replicate the success of Tamil Nadu's former chief ministers Jayalalithaa and, before her, M.G. Ramachandran? Both Jayalalithaa and her mentor Ramachandran were screen icons who became politicians. Since the death of 68-year-old Jayalalithaa in December last year, Tamil Nadu's politics has been in a state of flux in some ways although her All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) continues to rule the state despite an internal power struggle. The rival Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is reasserting itself now that there is no formidable mass leader like Jayalalithaa to challenge it. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also keen to exploit the new situation to expand its presence in the state, which has been dominated by the DMK and the AIADMK. Some media reports suggest that Rajinikanth may join the BJP, although he himself has not hinted at it. When a television reporter asked Rajinikanth if he was joining politics, he said "no comment" and moved on. Again, a question arises why would a mega star join the BJP, which has limited appeal and marginal presence in Tamil Nadu. His personal rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi encourages people to take that possibility seriously. Could there be bigger stakes at play? No one can be certain at this point. Rajinikanth's recent public comments are a sure sign that something is afoot. Addressing his frenzied fans, he told them to prepare the ground for a "war" as the subjects of the kings did in the olden days. "When war comes they will come to the rescue of their motherland. I have a profession, work, duty and so do you. Go to your places, do your duty, take care of your vocation. Let us face the war when it comes," he said, according to local media reports. Rajinikanth, who has Marathi roots and hails from the neighboring state of Karnataka (Jayalalithaa was originally from Karnataka as well), proclaimed himself a "pure" Tamil. "Even though I am from Karnataka, still you have accepted me and you have made me into a Tamilian. I am a pure Tamil now," he told his fans. In Indian politics, such identities play a crucial role in determining the success or failure of politicians, so Rajinikanth aka Shivajirao Gaikwad, talking about them assumes significance. Some wonder whether it is not already late for the cinema icon to become a politician. The adulation of masses he enjoys at present may not remain there in a political career; politics in India can be murky. From being a bus conductor in Karnataka to ruling the world of Tamil cinema, Rajinikanth's journey as an actor speaks for itself. In a tribute to his iconic status, some wags put things differently. They say it's going to be politics that will join Rajinikanth! -- BERNAMA