Kamal, Rajini in a ‘face-off’ over opposing views on CAA

While Kamal moved the Supreme Court against the CAA, Rajinikanth condemned the violent protests on the CAA issue.

On Thursday night, Rajinikanth tweeted condemning violence during the protest without making clear his stand on the CAA. In a tweet, he said: “I appeal with national security in mind that all Indians ought to be united and vigilant. I am pained at the ongoing violence. Violence and clashes shouldn’t become the path for resolving issues.”

Rajinikanth was criticised a few days ago when he evaded questions on the violence that erupted inside Jamia Millia Islamia campus. “It is a cinema function. It is a trailer launch. So, I don’t want to mix politics and cinema. I will express my views in a different platform,” he said during the launch of the trailer of his upcoming film Durbar which is slated to release during the Pongal festival.

In sharp contrast, MNM leader Kamal condemned the BJP government for passing the CAA and extended support to the students who have been protesting across the country. He also met the protesting students from Madras University on Wednesday and said his party will participate in the protest called by the DMK and its allies.

Interestingly, Kamal and Rajinikanth last month hinted that if the need arises, the two will join hands for 2021 state Assembly elections. Social media was abuzz with the detractors of the actors pointing to their differences on the CAA and questioning their proposed alliance.

Prof Ramu Manivannan, head of the Department of Politics and Public Administration at University of Madras said that the differences between the two actors is not on ideological but their approach to the politics. “They have differences there is no doubt about it. But what ideology they have is also a question,” he said.

The Prof added, “Whether it is Kamal’s ideology which can also change according to circumstances. They see themselves as different points in a pole that’s all. We can’t say that their ideology is a very serious issue for them.”

“At least, Kamal by his own political culture is known to take a stand, while Rajinikanth by his own practice is a habitual person who never takes a stand on anything. Therefore, you can’t say it’s an ideological difference, but their approach to politics,” he said.

Moreover, he added that Rajinikanth should first launch his political party, only then the question of the alliance between the two actors arise.