Sort out Karnataka system first, D Jayakumar tells Rajinikanth

CHENNAI: Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar on Friday  tore into superstar Rajinikanth for his statement that the “system in Tamil Nadu needs to be changed”. The minister asked the start to “correct the system” in Karnataka, the state where he was raised, which is refusing to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. In a subtle dig at Rajinikanth’s roots in Karnataka, Jayakumar said it would be very helpful for the Tamil Nadu Government if the Tamil superstar takes efforts to secure the state’s right on Cauvery water.

“I appeal to Rajinikanth to correct the system there (Karnataka)... if he takes efforts with us to secure our right of 205 tmc ft of Cauvery water, it will be a good thing,” he said. The superstar comes under the scanner here every time water war breaks out between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Though Rajinikanth was raised in Bengaluru, he relocated to Chennai and made the city his home since 1975 after late K Balachander introduced him in “Aboorva Raagangal” movie.
 “Yes for sure, he is not talking about it.... let him clarify,” Jayakumar said when asked whether Rajinikanth should clarify his stand on the Cauvery issue. “If there is a mistake please point it out, we will try to correct it. But please don’t make generalised statements. Rajinikanth should refrain from making such statements and making such statements is unacceptable. Let Rajinikanth not provoke the AIADMK. Only engineers talk about system and is Rajinikanth an engineer?” he asked.

He was asked to comment on Rajinikanth’s statement on Thursday  that the “system in Tamil Nadu needs to be corrected” following up on his “system is rotten” remark made in May last year. Targeting Rajinikanth for his “spiritual politics,” slogan, the Minister claimed Tamil Nadu is a haven of peace with a commitment to secularism. Though Rajinikanth had said “spiritual politics” meant a polity beyond religion, caste and a commitment to good governance, Jayakumar asked the actor to clarify what he meant by it.