Rajinikanth makes dramatic pullback; won't launch political party, won't contest elections

In a massive announcement and pullback, Tamil films superstar Rajinikanth said on Tuesday that he will not be starting his political party, in light of his recent health condition. Two days after being discharged from the hospital - where he was treated for blood pressure fluctuation - the actor released a statement confirming that he is not joining electoral politics.

“ I regret to inform that I cannot enter politics. I alone know the pain I went through while announcing this decision. I will do whatever I can for the public. But I apologise, I cannot start a party. I have always spoken the truth, and I am speaking the truth now as well,” he said in an open letter in Tamil to the public.

The Tamil megastar said he does not want to make the people feel like a scapegoat, but his recent health conditions have come as a warning from God and he will not go ahead with his plans to take the political plunge for the Tamil Nadu assembly elections next year.

"I know that I might upset a lot of my fans, party members and well-wishers with this decision but I don’t want to ruin the lives of thousands and lakhs by picking up something I cannot fulfil. Despite the vaccine promise, it is still not the right time to be out in public and put many lives in danger. My immunity is also low," the 70 year old said.

Rajinikanth also made a special mention of Arjun Murthy, former BJP intellectual head who joined Rajini Makkal Mandra (RMM) to help the actor enter politics. “I want to thank Murthy for quitting a famous national party to join my cause. He is a pillar of great support and strength,” he added. 

READ | Rajinikanth Discharged From Hospital, Scheduled To Return To Chennai On Sunday Evening

The announcement comes a day after his discharge from Hyderabad's Apollo hospital, where he was being treated for blood pressure fluctuation. Rajinikanth, who is 70, has been advised complete bed rest for one week to help avoid stress in view of his post-kidney transplant status, labile hypertension and age. He was admitted to the hospital on December 25, with severe hypertension and exhaustion and was kept under close medical supervision. He had recently escaped a COVID scare after four of the crew members tested COVID-19 positive; the superstar, however, tested negative.

It was speculated that the launch of Rajinikanth's party could be delayed due to his ill health, however, the actor has changed plans to join politics entirely. 

READ | 'Rajinikanth's Dec 31 Announcement May Get Postponed', Says Party Aide After His Discharge

Rajinikanth announces political entry

On December 3, Rajinikanth had announced on Twitter that he would make the formal announcement of his political party on December 31 followed by the party's launch in January 2021. The following day, speaking to the media at his Poes Garden residence, Rajinikanth stressed that he would not go back on his promise to form a party and contest the 2021 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu. However, just two days before what was set to be the announcement of his political party, the actor has decided not to launch a political party. 

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