As political leaders make a beeline to Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) chief Vijayakant’s residence in Chennai, actor Rajinikanth also paid a courtesy call on Friday. This visit has grabbed eyeballs since it comes at a time when the AIADMK and the DMK alliances have been trying to woo the actor-turned-politician.
Speaking to the reporters outside Vijayakant’s residence after the meeting which lasted for around 15 minutes, Rajinikanth said that he was there to inquire about Vijayakant’s health. “When I was unwell and admitted into Ramachandra hospital, Vijayakant was the first to visit me. I tried meeting him when he was in the US for treatment, but couldn’t. Now he is back from the US in good shape. I pray for his well-being,” he said. He also asserted that they did not speak politics. “Not one bit of politics was discussed in this meeting,” Rajinikanth emphasised.
Rajinikanth had recently issued a statement that he will not compete in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections and that ‘the goal’ was the Tamil Nadu state assembly elections. In his statement he had also mentioned that he does not support or endorse any political party in this election and that his name or his fans club logo shall not be used for campaigning.
On Thursday, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee leader Su Thirunavukkarasar met Vijayakant at the latter’s residence triggering speculation that the Congress is trying to rope the DMDK into its alliaince with the DMDK. After a short meeting, Thirunavukkarasar told the reporters outside Vijayakant’s house that the DMDK Chief was a longtime friend and that he called on him to inquire about his health. He also added that the two leaders had a general discussion on politics of Tamil Nadu and that he has urged Vijayakant to take a good decision considering the current state of affairs.
DMDK is yet to finalise its alliance partner for the upcoming parliamentary elections, bargaining hard for as many seats that the PMK was allotted by the AIADMK. On Tuesday, the AIADMK announced its pre-poll tie-up with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), with PMK grabbing seven Lok Sabha seats and a Rajya Sabha seat and the BJP getting five Lok Sabha seats.
Following this, on Wednesday, the DMK formalised its alliance with Congress, giving nine Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and the lone Puducherry Lok Sabha seat to its ally. The DMK is also conducting seat-sharing talks with VCK, MDMK, CPI and CPI(M).