Actor Rajinikanth on Sunday dismissed speculation that he tried to broker a deal between the DMK and the AIADMK, and said he did not envy Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s success.
Addressing journalists at his Poes Garden residence, Mr. Rajinikanth said the Dravidian parties had been in power for 60 years, and there was a need for change. Mr. Vijay, aided by his popularity in cinema, came at the right time to bring about that change, he added.
“After the [Assembly election] results, I met [former Chief Minister] Stalin sir, as he had lost in Kolathur. He has been my friend for the past 40 years. Our friendship is beyond ideology. Victories and defeats are a part of democracy. Yet, I was feeling bad about Mr. Stalin’s defeat in Kolathur, and hence, I visited him. But this has led to criticism that I tried to broker a deal between the two big parties to ensure that Mr. Vijay does not become the Chief Minister. I would never stoop so low. I would like to clarify that,” he said.
“I am not in politics. Mr. Vijay and I have a 20-25 years’ age difference. His achievement is bigger than that of NTR [Late N.T. Rama Rao, actor-turned-Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister] and MGR (Late M.G. Ramachandran, actor-turned-Tamil Nadu Chief Minister]. He has won against a powerful Central government and two big Dravidian parties. I am surprised and happy. People have a lot of expectations from him, and I have faith that he will fulfil them,” he said.
Responding to the suggestion that his fans felt he could have become the Chief Minister had he launched a party in 2021, the actor said, “I had given a three-page explanation on why I didn’t enter politics...I understand they may be disappointed.”
On his decision to continue acting in films, Mr. Rajinikanth said, “Politics is different from acting in movies. I can always quit acting if my health deteriorates. Only my producer would be affected. Politics is a big responsibility involving lakhs and crores of people. It is not that easy.”
When asked if he would meet the Chief Minister to discuss the demands of the film industry, he said, “Producers’ Council members have met him. Nadigar Sangam members have met him. [Actor] Kamal Haasan has also met him. I don’t want to meet him for the sake of formality.”
Mr. Rajinikanth said Mr. Vijay should be given a period of two years before being judged, as expectations from the people were high.
“For two years, he should be allowed to govern (without being judged). His party cadres and supporters should be careful as any mistakes they do will affect Vijay.”
On why he did not attend Mr Vijay’s oath-taking ceremony, Mr. Rajinikanth pointed out he had not attended former DMK chief M. Karunanidhi’s swearing in ceremony even in 1996. “I met him only after a fortnight or so. In fact, he had called up asking if he could come to see me but I went to meet him.”
When asked if he thought he would have won had he entered politics, Mr. Rajinikanth said, “100%...I would have won.”
Published - May 17, 2026 11:26 am IST
Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 / Tamil Nadu / Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam / Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam / All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam / India
Source: The Hindu - India News
