Even as excitement continues to build in the film and political circles of Tamil Nadu over the possibility of superstar Rajinikanth entering politics, fringe groups today staged a protest against the actor's entry into the field.
The protestors, who gathered on the arterial Cathedral Road, burnt an effigy of the actor before being taken into custody by the cops. The police protection around the area had been increased to ensure law and order.
It all started with Rajinikanth's speech at a meeting with fans last week.At the meeting, the actor said, "My life is in the hands of God. I want to keep my body clean and soul pure. I am a tool in God's hands. He is making use of me. He is using me as an actor now, I am acting as an actor. I do not know what he will use me as tomorrow. Whatever he chooses to use me as, I will do it with justice, sincerity, honesty and with a conscience. I do not know what his plans for me for tomorrow are. It is only in God's hands."
The actor also went on to warn some of his fans who were misusing his name to gain political mileage. Warning them, he had said, "So, to all those who harbour such intentions, let me make it clear now itself. If I do not come to politics, you will feel cheated. If suppose, there is a situation where I have to come to politics, I will not even permit these kind of people near me. I will not even allow you to enter. So, such people please step aside or you could feel cheated."
These words made many people wonder if the actor would indeed enter politics. This expectation has been further strengthened by the recent interview of Rajinikanth's close friend, Raj Bahadur.
Bahadur has disclosed that when Rajinikanth was in Bangalore recently to attend a wedding, he discussed about whether he must enter politics or not.
Bahadur, who resides in Karnataka and who worked with him when the actor was a conductor, has been quoted by the media as having said that, "Considering the hints he has been dropping, Rajini will not disappoint seven crore Tamils."
Apart from the politics, the actor is set to star in the blockbuster 2.0 with Akshay Kumar. The film is expected to release on 18 October.