Saffronising Rajinikanth

Once again political circles are agog with the news of possible entry of superstar Rajinikanth into Tamil politics. In a state where film world is dovetailed with politics such speculation is nothing new. None can deny the fact that Rajini enjoys unparalleled image among Tamils. The repeated statements of the Tamil superstar are heating up Tamil politics.

Tamil Nadu is at a political crossroads. The ruling AIADMK has landed in crisis as its supremo is caught in corruption scandals. Her political future is uncertain if not endangered due to the changed legal dispensation owing to the Supreme Court judgment on the disqualification of convicted legislators. The opposition is a victim of its own deeds. The DMK is sinking under its own weight. The family feud in the party leadership is kaleidoscopical in character.

The open rivalry between father and sons and among siblings has reached obnoxious proportions. All this has seriously eroded the credibility of the DMK. This is evident from its debacle in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Other parties like PMK, MDMK lack state-wide reach.

Thus, there is a perception of political vacuum prevailing in the State, which goes to polls in 2016. This perhaps provides a context for Rajinikanth’ s Arangetram into politics.

If God orders Rajini to join politics, the question is whether he would float his own party or will he prefer to join any national party? In case he prefers the second option, the BJP would perhaps be the obvious choice as Congress has lost its roots in Tamil Nadu long back. Rajini would obviously not bank on a failed director.

Precisely this analysis has enthused the Modi-Amit Shah team. The leaders of BJP are already in touch with the superstar. The BJP is trying to convince Rajini camp that it would be a win-win situation for the actor and the party. Given the failure of Vijaykanth in Tamil Nadu and Chiranjeevi in Andhra Pradesh to steer to power, however popular the superstars may be, there is no guarantee that they would automatically be catapulted to power. Politics require grassroots work and strategizing on the part of its leadership. The BJP claims that its organisational strength and Rajini’s charishma can deliver results.

The BJP has improved its voting tally in the wake of Modi wave in the recent elections. The BJP expects to create a political cyclone off the coast of Tamil Nadu. But, will this grand plan fructify? Will Rajini join the saffron party? Even in case he does will it really work? Will the Hindi - Hindu political brigade make a headway in a State with strong influence of Dravidian movement? History has no uniform lessons to offer. Actors made wonders only when political climate was congenial.

The talk of Rajini’s political entry was heard from the times of ‘Pallavas’ and ‘Cholas’. He always keeps his followers guessing. However, if someone else does it is over action, if Rajinikanth does it,
it is style.