Superstar Rajinikanth
delivered his first public address since his political entry in December. The actor inaugurated a statue of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MG Ramachandran at the Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute in Chennai today, where he will speak to students and may even take a few questions from them. About 5,000 people, mostly students and fans are present at the venue. On December 31, Rajinikanth had announced he would launch a party and contest in all 234 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu. He had also clarified that he would launch the party after elections are announced in the state. Whether to contest the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, he said he will take a call later.
Here are the highlights of Rajinikanth's address:
Mar 05, 2018 20:57 (IST)
Rajinikanth: "When I built the Raghvendra wedding hall, there was an order to stop construction. My staff and me weren't given appointment. Many advised me to contact MGR. MGR expedited and in three days we got the NOC. It was MGR who made the wedding hall possible. Some say I'm trying to draw MGR loyalists. Student stage is the best part of your life, also most trying. If u study in these four years only, your 40 year life would be good."
Mar 05, 2018 20:52 (IST)
Rajinikanth: "He (MGR) brought power and free noon meal scheme to schools. I first met MGR in 1973. Later, I met in 1975 on the sets."
Mar 05, 2018 20:36 (IST)
"I don't expect a red carpet welcome. But why mock and discourage? Politics is strewn with thorns and snakes," said Rajinikanth.
Mar 05, 2018 20:35 (IST)
Rajinikanth: "Many say actors shouldn't enter politics... I tell them, I do my work properly. But you haven't done your work properly. I've learnt some politics moving with Karunanidhi, Moopanar and Cho."
Mar 05, 2018 20:29 (IST)
"Last time I could not unveil an MGR statue but this time he was firm. I wanted to avoid speaking politics. But I shall speak some politics," Rajinikanth said.
Mar 05, 2018 20:28 (IST)
Rajinikanth: "AC Shanmugam is one among many who wanted me to enter politics. AC Shanmugam was drawn by MGR; he became MP and MLA."
Mar 05, 2018 19:12 (IST)
On December 31, he said that he will take decision only after elections are called in Tamil Nadu. He had then he would contest in all 234 assembly constituencies in the next elections due in 2021.
Mar 05, 2018 19:09 (IST)
Political observers are keenly watching whether he will make any announcement in terms of the launch of his party or name of party
Mar 05, 2018 18:45 (IST)
There are about 5000 to 6000 people in the hall where Rajinikanth will speak and about an equal number are in an adjacent auditorium and will watch the speech on a giant screen.
Mar 05, 2018 18:31 (IST)
Rajinikanth's fans have put hundreds of posters along the highway, from Chennai to this area.
Mar 05, 2018 18:20 (IST)
Some 5,000 people are in a packed auditorium. Another 5,000 people outside are watching Rajinikanth from outside the venue.
Mar 05, 2018 18:20 (IST)
Actor Rajinikanth unveiled a statue of MG Ramachandran at MGR Educational and Research Institute.
Mar 05, 2018 18:19 (IST)
This will be Rajinikanth's first public speech after he announced his decision to enter politics in December, and there is intense speculation on whether he will reveal some of his political plans days after Tamil Nadu's other superstar Kamal Haasan announced his party's name and agenda.