Rajinikanth speech politically heavy

Chennai: True, Rajinikanth had triggered mini political storms many times before by hinting he was ready on the springboard for the plunge into the whirlpool of Tamil politics; but his electrifying 20-minute oration before the cheering fans at the Raghavendra photo session is his most affirmative indication of the embryo taking shape.

The demise of charismatic Jayalalithaa has caused a huge void in Tamil Nadu politics, which has encouraged the spawning of a quite a few dream factories to produce the Chief Ministers of 2021.

“He is more specific this time, much clearer than ever”, says analyst S. Gurumurthy, noting that three important indicators emerged from Rajinikanth's Monday speech. First, by regretting his support for the DMK-TMC alliance in 1996, the star has now taken a clear stand against the DMK and this is going to pose a big challenge to the opposition party's dream of capturing power in the next state election - particularly if the man decides to launch his party and form strong alliances.

Secondly, Rajinikanth's promise that he would not entertain anyone nursing desire to make illegal money from politics and public life, throws up new hope that Tamil Nadu might after all witness cleaner governance at some point, perhaps soon.

The third firm indicator is that the superstar will soon take a decision. He has climbed all those steps up the ladder and is now on the springboard. “Perhaps he will wait for the right time, the right occasion, to make the announcement”, said a source close to the star.

The present 'filth' in TN politics and governance has accumulated over the years mainly due to two major factors - the dominance of family (families) in the parties and government and the scourge of wrong people being promoted because of bad politics. “If we can get rid of both these problems, things will improve dramatically in TN. I think Rajini today has taken the first step in that right direction”, says Gurumurthy. 

Rajini could father an alliance for the next election by launching his own party  and entering into alliances with like-minded parties. The BJP, and perhaps an AIADMK faction fairly cleansed of the dark smudges of court convictions   and tax raids, should be his ‘natural allies’.