Rajnikanth clears air, no plans to enter politics, dissolves Makkal Mandram

Fuelling speculation in the morning, superstar Rajinikanth puts an end to renewed expectations about his foray into politics well before noon on Monday. There is no rethink on returning from political sanyas, the actor made it clear in a statement shortly after consultation with functionaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), the launchpad for a full-fledged party. Reiterating his earlier stance, the South Indian movie Mogul, put the blame on the prevailing situation and context saying it neither ripe nor conducive for stepping into the rough and tumble of politics, writes ETV Bharat Chennai Bureau Chief, MC Rajan.

Chennai: The long wait for Godot is over once and for all. Shortly after hinting at a possible re-entry into politics, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth has confirmed that there is no rethink on his breaking from political sanyas. He has brought the curtains down on Monday by dissolving the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM), the political vehicle which was to be converted into a party but has become redundant.

In the morning, speculation was rife about his possible political plunge after he told the media at his residence that he would discuss the issue with the RMM functionaries. For, the meeting was the first with fans after his announcement of staying away from politics in December. Moreover, he had returned from the US a few days back after a medical check-up, raising the stakes.

However, such expectations proved to be short-lived, when the superstar released a statement bringing the curtains down on his foray into politics and dissolving the RMM. “Owing to time and the prevailing situation, we could not accomplish what we had planned. No more do I entertain the idea of jumping into politics. As such, the RMM and its front organizations are being dissolved and the functionaries could engage themselves in welfare activities under the banner of Rajini Fans Club,” read his statement issued soon after the meeting which lasted barely half an hour.

The statement also said that the RMM, intended to be a political vehicle, is no longer necessary and hence had to be dissolved. “Rechristening the Fan Club into RMM, we have appointed functionaries at the state and district level, besides creating frontal organizations, preparing for my plunge into politics,” Rajinikanth said adding that clearing the air was his duty.

For the fans, it may not be a bitter pill to swallow, since they were already resigned to this fact. But, the little glimmer of hope in them could have vanished into thin air. “We have no regrets in accepting Thalaivar’s decision. We continue to be his disciplined soldiers. We are happy that the Fans Club, converted into RMM, is being revived so that we have an identity and carry on our work,” said RMM Nilgiris District Secretary Kumaran.

The BJP had expected that the superstar would launch the party and it could ride on his back. But, his announcement last year to quit politics even before stepping into it, had come as a rude shock to the saffron party. For, he was not only very close to the BJP leadership but ideologically too was seen as a right-wing personality.

Analysts are of the unanimous view that the film star had taken the appropriate decision. “When Rajinikanth is firm in staying away from politics, the logical step is to disband the RMM. His fans too are concerned about his health. He has taken the right decision, giving a free hand to the fans,” says Malan Narayanan, author and political analyst.

If anything, the name Rajinikanth is synonymous with indecision coupled with a mystic appeal. Though he is staying away from politics, whom he would support during elections, would be of interest as ever.