Actor-politician Rajinikanth, who sat out the Lok Sabha and bye-polls in the state, has announced that he will contest in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections, whenever announced. While speaking to the media in Chennai on Friday, a day after polls to 38 Lok Sabha seats and 18 assembly seats in the state concluded, Rajinikanth was asked when his entry to electoral politics could be expected. “Whenever assembly elections come,” he replied, adding, “We are prepared.”
When asked about the less-than-ideal voter turnout in the state, he said, “Seventy percent is a reasonable turnout.” Referring to the low turnout in Chennai, the state capital, a smiling Rajini added, “I think a lot of people went to their hometowns because of the four-day continuous holiday.”
The actor also said that it would be good if the number of booths in the state were increased.On caste-based violence on poll day, he said, “It’s definitely less than what has happened before. They (the Election Commission) have conducted the polls well this time; there is no doubt about that.”
With Tamil Nadu witnessing 22 bye-polls this poll season, the fate of the Edappadi Palaniswami-led AIADMK government hangs in the balance. When a journalist asked if Rajinikanth would announce his political party in the event of a regime change, he said, “Let’s see. We will decide all that after May 23. “
With the regard to rampant allegations of cash-for-votes this poll season, Rajinikanth said that the Election Commission has to look into it, refusing to comment further.
When asked if there is a chance that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be re-elected, all the actor said was, “It would become apparent on May 23 (when results are announced).”
In February, the actor had announced that he will not be contesting in the parliamentary elections and that his goal was the legislative assembly elections. Rajinikanth made this statement in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections, which was held in Tamil Nadu on Thursday.
He had also stated that he does not support or endorse any political party for the polls and that the flag of Rajini Makkal Mandram, his political outfit, and his pictures shall not be used by anybody for poll campaigns.
On April 9, the actor had welcomed BJP’s poll promise to set up a separate authority to link rivers and said that if the party comes to power, it must implement it. He had asked the people of Tamil Nadu to vote for a party that would address the water crisis in the state.
