Rajinikanth's debut speech highlights: Actor sells MGR's brand of politics, laments leadership lacunae in state

Rajinikanth responds to criticism on ‘poster politics’, asks fans to refrain from doing so in future

“I think my fans have erected banners, disturbing free flow of public movement is violation of High Court orders. I request the fans not to indulge in such activities,” Rajinikanth said after many, including activist Traffic Ramaswamy and actor Kamal Haasan had criticised the actor for allowing that to happen.

Invoking MGR, Jaya part of Rajinikanth’s clever plan to import AIADMK support base 

By invoking MGR and Jayalalithaa and saying that he will try to recreate the MGR era, Rajini is clearly staking claim over the AIADMK legacy. He obviously feels that there is nobody in the AIADMK, both the factions included, who is capable of filling the vacuum. By going into a long narration of how MGR was a revolutionary leader who cared for the poor and how close he was to MGR — who, he said, was instrumental in solving a few issues over his marriage — Rajini is cleverly trying to usurp the AIADMK cadre and it’s huge support base. This will enable him to start off, not just as a film star with a huge fan base but as a political party with experienced cadre and a proper structure. Of course, that’s just his plan. It remains to be seen if things plays out that way.

Stepping into politics as you are not doing your job: Rajinikanth tells politicos

Rajinikanth said he that didn’t expect the present political parties to welcome him warmly. But he questioned the parties’ intent in discouraging him and others from joining politics. “The present government and politicians are asking why are actors leaving their makeup and coming to take over their jobs as politicians. I am 67 years now, since you are not doing your duty I am stepping in,” the actor said.

Joining politics due to dearth of leaders in my state: Rajinikanth

Lamenting the leadership vacuum in Tamil Nadu, while praising Jayalalithaa and MGR in the same breath, Rajinikanth said that he was bound to enter politics because of the lack of strong leadership. 

“People ask me why are you entering politics now? Why not when Jayalalithaa was alive. Everybody knows what happened in 1996, nobody needs to be reminded. I can stand on my own. Yes, I’m coming now because there is leadership vacuum in Tamilnadu. Jayalalithaa is not there and Karunanidhi has advanced in years. There is vacuum now. That’s why I’m coming. To give leadership,” Rajinikanth said.

I learnt politics from MGR: Rajinikanth

Reminiscing about his interactions with the late leader, Rajinikanth recalled he was fond of the poorest of the poor people and was always a phillanthropist even when he wasn’t in politics. He said he has learnt about politics from MGR. He praised MGR while promising to fill the vaccum created by his and Jayalalithaa’s demise at the same time.

I know political journey won’t be easy: Rajinikanth

Rajinikanth said that he knows that this political journey will not be easy for him as criticism has already begun to pour in, just like how people criticise films at their release. He also said that he is ready to work with like-minded people to give the best-possible version of governance to the poor people of Tamil Nadu. 

He said that he doesn’t expect people to roll out a red carpet for him and is ready to make te journey.

Rajinikanth speaks of spiritual politics at first public address after announcing entry in politics

Speaking at an event to honour MGR in Chennai, Rajinikanth said that he believes in spiritual politics. Explaining further, he said that his version of politics will be clean, pro-poor and keep caste-polistics at bay.

I can give good governance like MGR: Rajinikanth

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I can replicate MGR and bring a better government, a government for poor, just like what he gave to the people of Tamil Nadu. I can bring the same government with the advice of all the good people on my side. He praised Jayalalithaa and said that no one can question her political prowess in India, such was her talent.

Rajninikanth begins address with homage to MGR

Speaking in Tamil, the superstar said that there was no greater hero than MG Ramachandran. He praised the late actor-turned politician.

Rajinikanth’s political rally marred by ‘illegal’ posters

On the day that the Tamil superstar is expected to make his first public speech after announcing plans to join politucs, another controversy has surrounded the  iconic actor. The film star came in for criticism as huge, obtrusive posters lined the roads leading to the venue. 

“And the first to take potshots at Rajinikanth was his screen-and now-political rival, Kamal Haasan, who said that change must come from within,” reported Hindustan Times .

Rajinikanth unveils MGR statue

Actor Rajinikanth unveiled a statue of MG Ramachandran at MGR Educational and Research Institute. waiting on the stage, in a hall packed-full with fans, the Tamil Superstar is likely to make his first public speech after announcing that he will join politics.