CHENNAI: If reports are to be believed, Rajinikanth is likely to finally launch his political party on his birthday, December 12. In August, the 'Rajini Makkal Mandram', a precursor to the launch of the political party was unveiled. It is reported that the progress was made after week-long meeting of district units of the mandram held between October 5 and 11. A report said that Mandram hopes to mobilise around 10,00,000 members for the launch whose venue could be Tiruchi. Rajini has for long confirmed his willingness to make a political plunge. However, he has not set a date on it.
When the actor announced his desire to join politics, there was considerable excitement among his fans and in political circles. The superstar insists his politics will be markedly different from the current scenario in Tamil Nadu. When he had made his political intentions public in December, last year, Rajini had promised his fans “spiritual politics, which is free from caste and creed.” Following the announcement, the 'Rajini Makkal Mandram' was started in August. The actor kept his promise of spiritual politics by barring members of religious and caste-based outfits from joining.
A 36-page by-laws of the mandram included several other stipulations like maintaining discipline, a firm no to anti-social behaviour and the need to stay away from addiction to “bad habits.” Over the last few months, the party has been enlisting members from the grassroots level and have been appointing office-bearers. While Rajini has clarified that “spiritual politics” only meant secular politics transcending religion, caste and a commitment to good governance, it has failed to cut ice and his party has drawn flak from several quarters, including the DMK.
