DMK mouthpiece issues clarification after talks with Rajini

The mouthpiece of the principal opposition party on Sunday published a clarification that it would handle the actor with care in future.

A short clarification note published in Murasoli said, “It was brought to our notice that the article about superstar Rajini was in the nature of hurting a few well-meaning people. The editorial committee has been advised to be more attentive while publishing such articles.” The DMK high command has gone on the defensive, if party sources were to be believed, following an interaction between Rajinikanth and DMK president M K Stalin.

A party source privy to the development claimed that the actor had spoken over phone to Sun group head Kalanithi Maran and Murasoli Selvam, who is understood to have authored the no-holds barred article against the actor, before expressing his displeasure to Stalin. Understandably, the surrender of platinum jubilee Murasoli, which had dared even the mighty Indira Gandhi during the emergency, has upset DMK old timers who felt that the attempt to placate Rajinikanth was pathetic.

“It is nothing but meek surrender. Murasoli, DMK and its cadre have been put to shame. Kalaignar would be turning in his grave. If you dare anyone, you should stand by it till the end or else never should have attempted it,” opined a senior DMK leader requesting anonymity, adding that the clarification has only given political mileage to the actor. Another party source revealed that the clarification was published after the actor spurned attempts made by Stalin’s family to bury the hatchet.

An influential member of Stalin’s family had vainly called Rajinikanth over phone on Saturday to cool the agitated actor who issued a reactionary statement following the article. However, it did not discourage Stalin loyalists from defending the misadventure stating that it was a political strategy, which would help black out Kamal Haasan and target Rajini simultaneously.

“The actor personally expressed his unhappiness to our president. Our leaders also felt that they could reserve such criticism for future when Rajini floats the party. We do not want to antagonise everyone unnecessarily,” said the leader, apparently, conceding that it was a surrender.