Superstar actor Rajinikanth and Tamil Nadu minister Durai Murugan on Monday called each other “old friends” – the former to deal with Chief Minister MK Stalin and his “senior students who refuse to leave class”. After a dispute over the definition of – added.
Rajinikanth's comments were widely seen as a criticism of veteran politicians within the ruling DMK, especially those who seem reluctant to hand over to younger colleagues.
A more specific context may lie in the rumours: the chief minister's son – Adhyayanidhi Stalin – may soon become his father's deputy, which would be the first step in a succession plan. The actor's comments seem to be a warning of a potential coup when that happens.
Rajinikanth told reporters this morning, “Durai Murugan is my long-time friend. Whatever he says is no problem… Our friendship will continue forever.”
The DMK leader responded quickly. “That's what I'm saying too…no one should see our banter as hostility. We'll always be friends…just like we used to be.”
The row erupted on Sunday after the actor's comments at the launch of a book – about DMK legend and former chief minister MK Karunanidhi, Mr Stalin's father – in Chennai.
Rajinikanth described himself as “shocked” by Mr. Stalin's treatment of senior leaders.
“What is surprising is how Chief Minister MK Stalin handles senior students… For teachers, it is easy to handle new students. But old students are a challenge…”
“Here, they are not just old students, or failed students, but rank holders who refuse to drop out of class. Karunanidhi nurtured them from an early age… and made them easy to manage. No, Durai Murugan was such a tough guy…”
Both the Chief Minister and his son Adhyayanidhi, who came to acclaim (in Tamil Nadu) after his time-honoured switch from cinema to politics, were both present.
86-year-old Durai Murugan, who holds several portfolios including minerals and mines and water resources, hit back at Rajinikanth saying that “senior actors (who) continue to act even after losing their teeth…
Rajinikanth, at one point, was widely expected to enter active politics on a big ticket, and many parties, including the BJP, gave him strong support. However, in 2021, he disbanded his new venture Rajini Mukal Mandram citing health issues.
Read on Rajinikanth closed the doors of politics, shed his clothes.
Nevertheless, he remains a very influential figure in Tamil society and politics, the latter dominated by Dravidian parties, particularly the DMK and AIADMK.
Meanwhile, Adhyayandhi Stalin had to make a comment of his own.
Stalin Jr, who is the state youth and sports development minister, appeared to support Rajinikanth's comments as he said “the youth are ready and willing to join… we just have to give them space”. .
With input from agencies
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