The latest political figure to weigh in on superstar Rajinikanth’s decision to cancel his Jaffna visit is former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s son Namal.
Taking to Twitter, Namal Rajapaksa hit out at Tamil Nadu’s politicians for opposing Rajinikanth’s visit to the Northern province in Sri Lanka, stating. “True nature of Tamil Nadu politicians is revealed again. They won't allow anyone, even @superstarrajini, to help #SriLanka's Tamil people,” he tweeted.
True nature of Tamil Nadu politicians is revealed again. They won't allow anyone, even @superstarrajini, to help #SriLanka's Tamil people.
— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) March 25, 2017
Rajinikanth was scheduled to visit Jaffna on April 9 to inaugurate 150 houses built for displaced Lankan Tamils. The project was by Gnanam Foundation, part of Lyca Productions, that is producing his upcoming film 2.0.
Political leaders in Tamil Nadu like VCK’s Thirumavalavan, MDMK’s Vaiko and Tamilar Vazhvu Urimai Katchi’s Velmurugan had opposed Rajinikanth’s visit on the grounds that it would be a tacit endorsement of the Sri Lankan government, that continued to deny the rights of Lankan Tamils. They also objected to his visit stating it was coming at a time when the human rights violations allegedly committed during the civil war by Sri Lanka, under Mahinda Rajapaksa, was being scrutinised by the UNHRC.
On Saturday, Rajini bowed to political pressure, announcing his decision to call off his trip to Sri Lanka.
Speaking to Times Now’s Shabbir Ahmed, Namal alleged that Tamil politicians were mum to the atrocities committed by LTTE.
“What has the Tamil (Indian) politicians done for the Sri Lankan Tamils except protesting?” Namal asked.
He went on to say, “Rajinikanth's visit to Sri Lanka has been blocked due to politician reasons. Tamil politicians want to politicise everything. The LTTE killed Lakshman Kadirgamar and others. Tamil Politicians were silent.”
Adding that the Rajapaksa regime was not against Tamils, “We are not against Tamils. My father was fighting against terrorism. A group called LTTE,” Namal said.
He also added, “Rajinikanth's visit would have made a huge difference and it could have helped in changing their lives. Rajinikanth is a superstar and we all love him.”
"Tamil Nadu politicians have done nothing for Sri Lankan Tamils" Namal Rajapaksa talks to @TimesNow after Rajinikanth's visit cancellation pic.twitter.com/s5o7k1xn9k
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) March 26, 2017
Meanwhile, Gnanam Foundation has also slammed Tamil groups for creating “a negative environment surrounding the aid programmes of a charity to further the political gain”.
Rajinikanth had on Saturday stated, “I want to make it clear that I am not a politician. I am an artiste. My job, as Thirumavalavan has said, is to make people happy. If I get another opportunity to go to Sri Lanka and meet Tamil people and to visit the hallowed land where the war took place, please do not make it into a political situation and prevent me from going. I ask this rightfully and lovingly,” he said.
