Rajinikanth says will neither enter politics nor launch political party

In a three-page statement, Rajinikanth expressed regret and said it pained him to make such an announcement after having said he would be contesting the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021.

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth Tuesday announced that he would not be entering politics owing to his ill health and the pandemic situation. His announcement came two days before he was to reveal details of the launch of his political party.

In a three-page statement that he posted on Twitter, the actor expressed regret and said it pained him to make such an announcement after having said he would contest the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections in 2021. “It is with profound regret that I have to say that I will neither be launching my political party nor entering politics. Nobody can understand my pain in making this decision,” he wrote.

Rajinikanth, 71, was briefly hospitalised in Hyderabad three days ago for fluctuations in blood pressure. He was discharged on Sunday.

Rajinikanth, whose political entry has been rumoured since 1996, acknowledged that he had promised to enter politics “even if there was a risk to my life”. However, in his statement Tuesday, he said he did not want to sacrifice the lives of others by taking the plunge. Read Rajinikanth’s full statement here

“After announcing that I would be starting a party in January, I participated in the shooting of Annaatthe in Hyderabad against the advice of doctors. We were taking all necessary precautions during the shoot with 120 people. In spite of that, four people tested positive for Covid-19. The director immediately suspended the shoot and asked everyone to get tested. I tested negative but had fluctuations in my blood pressure. Medically, I should not have any fluctuations because of my kidney transplant. I was under the supervision of doctors for three days. Considering my health, the producer, Kalanithi Maran postponed the shoot,” the actor wrote.

Rajinikanth said a lot of people had lost their jobs and the film had incurred losses amounting to crores of rupees due to his ill health. “My health is the reason for these hardships. I see this as a warning sent by the Almighty,” he said.

The actor said that once he forms a political party, he will not be able to win if he is can only campaign virtually. “All those with enough political experience will not deny this fact… I might have to attend several meetings, go for campaigns and meet lakhs of people. With a small shoot of just 120 people, I had to spend three days in the hospital. With the mutation of Covid-19, even if there is a vaccine, I will be putting people at risk while campaigning,” he said.

Two days ago, after Rajinikanth was hospitalised, the hospital issued an unusual bulletin revealing not only his health status but also details of the medical advice given to him. Besides describing in detail the advise he had received from doctors, the bulletin also stated that he had been counselled to avoid any activity that increases his risk of contracting Covid-19. The bulletin had triggered rumours in political circles that it was a prelude to his announcement that he would withdraw from politics with a “medical excuse”.

Rajinikanth Tuesday said, “I am taking immuno-suppressant tablets, but should anything happen to me, all those around me may be affected, both financially and psychologically.”Explained |What does Rajinikanth’s political plunge mean, ahead of Tamil Nadu polls?

The actor apologised to the people who had been looking forward to his political debut and the functionaries of Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) for his decision. Lauding the efforts of the RMM in helping people amid the lockdown, the actor said their good deeds would not go in vain.

“When I had met the district functionaries on November 30, you had said that my health is important and any decision that I take will be acceptable. I will not forget that. I bow my head down to all of you for your love and affection for me. RMM will function as usual,” he said.

The actor also expressed gratitude to Thamizharuvi Manian for his steadfast support over the last three years. He said he was duty-bound to thank Ra Arjunamurthy, who had resigned from his position in the BJP to work with him.

Rajinikanth said he would continue to serve the public without entering politics and ended his letter by urging the people of Tamil Nadu and his fans to accept his decision.

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