Fans aghast as Rajinikanth exits ‘darbar’

Chennai

“I am aware of the severe unhappiness Rajini sir’s heart will be in right now. My wholehearted support to sir on his decision,” R Arjunamurthy, who was appointed as the coordinator of the soon-to-be-launched party, posted on social media. He added that he would also support any decision that Rajini took.

“Thalavar’s announcement that he would not enter politics was very disappointing for us. However, he knows what decision has to be taken. As his health is very important, we will stand with his decision,” said N Ravi, Vellore district secretary.

Eyeing the upcoming Assembly election, many political parties tried to enlist support from the actor and his fan base soon after the announcement came on Tuesday. However, the RMM office-bearers said they have not been given any orders in this regard.

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“As of now, we have not been given any instruction on supporting any political party. If he supports any party, the cadres will also follow,” said Suresh Kumar, secretary of the Chengalpattu unit. J Jayakrishnan, Kancheepuram secretary, said Rajini would continue welfare measures. “At present, our leader’s health is important,” he said.

These statements tried to mask the disappointment among the grass root workers who have been involved in many activities anticipating the launch, including identifying places across the State to set up RMM offices. Some of them gathered in front of Rajini’s Poes Garden residence, urging him to reconsider his decision.

S Venkatesan from Pallavaram pointed ‘Mandram’ functionaries have been working day and night to identify the right persons to be appointed as booth committee members for the election. “Suggestions and feedback have also been collected for preparing the election manifesto,” he said.

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Political analyst R Mani said the RMM cadre were left in the lurch after Rajini dropped the plan. “It is high time they move to some other activities, as it looks like Rajini cannot guide them anymore,” he said.

“Now, the only option left for RMM cadre is to just wait whether Rajini would support any political party for this assembly election so that they could be active. Any party that gets his support would not only receive votes from cadre and fans but also use the Mandram network to reach out to the people,” added political commentator J Ranganathan.