NEW DELHI: Movie star Rajnikanth on Tuseday expressed “gratitude to everyone” who condemned a TVK leader’s “slanderous remarks” claiming that the actor didn’t join politics as the ruling DMK family “threatened” him when he tried to enter politics.Thanking the film fraternity, his friends and fans, the actor said: “Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer”. “I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who condemned his slanderous remarks and raised their voices in support of me: the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Edappadi Palaniswami; Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran; Union Minister L. Murugan; Tamil Nadu Minister Raghupathy; Thol. Thirumavalavan; S.P. Velumani; my friend Annamalai; Arjunamurthy; Anbumani Ramadoss; G.K. Vasan. John Pandian; Pugazhendhi; and various other political leaders from different parties,” Rajnikanth posted on X. He further said: “I also extend my sincere thanks to Ameer, G. Dhananjayan, and my friends from the film fraternity; to Nakkeeran Gopal, Rangaraj Pandey (Chanakyaa), and members of the media; and, above all, to my fans—whom I revere as deities—for sustaining and uplifting me. Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer.”

What was the remark?

TVK functionary Aadhav Arjuna had alleged that the DMK family threatened actor Rajinikanth when he tried to enter politics. Arjuna said he was not criticising Rajinikanth but added that Vijay had the courage to withstand such pressure.TVK organised protests at district headquarters across Tamil Nadu on Thursday, accusing the state government of failing to maintain law and order. A protest was held in Chennai, in which TVK functionaries N Anand, Aadhav Arjuna and Arun Raj participated.Speaking at the protest, Arjuna said after MGR, Rajinikanth was one of the most popular actors who intended to enter politics. He said Rajinikanth wanted to enter Tamil Nadu politics and change the system. “However, the DMK family issued several threats to Rajinikanth and prevented him from entering politics. See what happened now… At the end, he went on to act in a film produced by Red Giant,” he said.Arjuna added that there was no criticism of Rajinikanth personally. However, he said Vijay had the mental strength to enter politics despite such threats. “Even when personal criticism was directed at Vijay, he did not remain silent at home in fear.”

Remark draws criticism from all quarters

Arjuna’s remarks drew criticism from several quarters, particularly from Rajinikanth’s fans. “Rajinikanth is not someone who fears threats — everyone knows that. At a time when the coronavirus was spreading severely, he stepped away from politics considering the infection risk that gatherings could pose to the public and to avoid loss of lives due to the virus,” said S Ravi, one of his fan club members in Sholingur. “Not everyone who gathers crowds can become a leader,” he added.AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palansiwami and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday condemned remarks by TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna that actor Rajinikanth dropped his plans to launch political party due to threat from DMK. BJP has demanded an apology from Aadhav Arjuna.“Superstar Rajinikanth commands immense respect across spectrum for his abilities and talent.A TVK party functionary’s attack on such a personality is unacceptable,” EPS said in an X post. “Entering politics is one’s right, as is staying out.He (Rajinikanth) cited valid reasons for staying out. Respect that choice; politicising it is political incivility,” EPS said. EPS added that the actor earned MGR’s love and J Jayalalithaa’s respect. The statement comes four days after Aadhav made the remark that unlike Rajinikanth, Vijay withstood pressure and launched a party.In a post on X, Nagenthran said Rajinikanth, who completed more than five decades in cinema, is respected across political and social spheres and enjoys the affection of people cutting across caste, religion and language. “It is unacceptable for Mr Aadhav Arjuna to speak wrongly about such a dignified personality in public,” he said.Nagenthran recollected that Rajinikanth had received honours including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He said the actor also enjoyed respect of national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Nagenthran urged TVK president Vijay to intervene. “The leader of that party should condemn such remarks and advise him not to engage in such actions,” he said. Last week, Aadhav Arjuna alleged that actor Rajinikanth faced pressure from DMK when he attempted to enter politics and suggested that such intimidation discouraged him from pursuing a political career.He said unlike Rajinikanth, TVK president Vijay showed the resolve to withstand such pressure. The remarks drew reactions from political leaders and sections of Rajinikanth’s supporters. His fan clubs in Madurai announced that they will contest against Aadhav in the 2026 polls to defeat him and show Rajini’s strength.