The life of Rajinikanth is a Journey of an ambitious common man who aspired to make it big in life. This journey from being an ordinary bus conductor to becoming a Film Super Star is surreal and inspires one and all. The passion, sincerity, hard work, dedication and consistency he has displayed in an acting career spanning over four decades has not only made him the undisputed numero uno of Tamil cinema, but has also endeared him to the people of Tamil Nadu. Being a man moulded by experience, he has experienced the lowest of lows and the highest of heights in life. Just when we thought that the Matinee idol was close to retirement, he has decided to write a new chapter in the annals of Tamil Nadu politics.
Politics and Rajinikanth are no strangers. We all know how the Super Star famously helped the DMK alliance sweep the 1996 Tamil Nadu State Elections with a mere statement of his. The Impact of Rajinikanth in that election can also be seen through the fact that DMK alone was able to cross the triple digit seat share (a rare feat that DMK has struggled to repeat after 1996). Yet, the Super Star never took the political plunge directly and was happy to remain a catalyst until the demise of two Dravidian Stalwarts viz. Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi. The twin demise of Jayalalithaa and Karunanidhi has prompted Rajinikanth to take a plunge himself to give proper direction to a state that is struggling with leadership vacuum.
On the 3rd of December, the Super Star took to twitter to confirm the launch of his political party that he promised would deliver corruption free, transparent and secular governance. He however said that more details regarding the date of launch of the political party would be announced on 31st December 2020. The series of tweets were followed by a quickfire press conference. Rajinikanth’s foray into electoral politics is sure to change the existing dynamics and alliances prevailing in Tamil Nadu. On this premise, let us look at what Rajini Brand of politics has.
Spiritual Politics promised by Rajinikanth is the healing touch that Tamil Nadu needs after decades of Dravidian (mis)rule.
It would be unjust to say that both DMK and AIADMK had not done anything for the progress of the state. Both the parties have strived hard for the progress of the State. But looking at the deep-rooted corruption, hooliganism and disorderliness that is plaguing the society, one cannot help but wonder if the two Dravidian parties have outlived their shelf life in Tamil Nadu politics. The hunger for power and misrule has made the following a “norm” in Tamil Nadu:
⦁ Gathering crowd for political meetings with a promise of money, biriyani and liquor.
⦁ Bribing the voters with cash, valuables, electronic appliances or coupons for the sale of votes.
⦁ Charging money from candidates who are meritorious or otherwise to land in Govt. jobs.
⦁ Bribing Officials from the lowest to the highest level in Govt. offices for getting services that we are entitled to.
⦁ Payment of donations, subscriptions to political party campaigns.
⦁ Shops and Offices Bribing policemen.
The List is endless. The Honorable mentions made above are some of the commonest of problems that most of us would have faced at some point in time in life. A legal solution to all this would help, but what is more needed is spiritual conditioning and awakening in the society. A leader with a deep-rooted spiritual mind who can appeal to the conscience of the society at large will go a long way in correcting this social mess. Rajinikanth can do it. His corruption free clean image coupled with his strong spiritual thought can transform and heal the society by making it more humane. Corruption will be a thing of the past and transparency will be brought along with Rajinikanth’s spiritual politics.
Fresh Faces and Youngsters in politics.
Rajinikanth’s entry into politics will not only provide an ideological political alternative, but it also has the potential to bring with it a spate of youngsters and fresh faces into politics. With Rajinikanth cautioning his supporters and office bearers that they cannot aspire to earn money by embracing his style of politics, he has made it clear that there will be fresh air into the political space. Rajinikanth has also said that the political party will not have many posts and the business of putting up flags on SUV’s and on roads will not be a feature with his party. These moves could prove to be gamechangers as they have the ability to appeal to the youngsters and educated. Once Rajinikanth’s party is launched, a definite feature will be the service motive and humility of its office bearers.
Rajinikanth will only promise what he can deliver. He will go away if he cannot deliver.
Rajinikanth is a man of principles. In a public life spanning over 4 decades he has always maintained a remarkable consistency in his stand. He has never made empty promises on any issue. He has always delivered what he has promised. A unique feature of Rajinikanth’s brand of politics will be that he will not take the route of populism. The promises that Rajinikanth would go on to make will be futuristic and realistic. He will not make false promises. He will try to fulfil the promises he makes. If he doesn’t, he will be more than happy to walk away.
The ability to take personal attacks head on.
In the coming days, we will see more personal attacks on Rajinikanth by fringe elements from NTK, DMK, VCK etc. Attacks on the Non-Tamil origin, caste, religion, matinee background, health and personal life will be made. What sets apart Rajinikanth from the rest is his ability to brush off such attacks and keep progressing with his line of thought. In fact, the tone was set few days ago when Tamil Aruvi manian had told that there wont be attacks on AIADMK or DMK from the new party, but the pitch will be on what Rajinikanth can deliver. This brand of politics will frustrate the template set by the Dravidian parties that have made personal attacks a matter of norm.
Equal treatment of all.
Minority appeasement and Caste politics have been a common feature under the Dravidian rule. A change that we may expect under the leadership of Rajinikanth is the equal treatment of all, irrespective of their religion and caste. Rajinikanth became a star with the blessings of people of all faiths and religions. He will not discriminate people based on their caste or religion. Rather, he will provide equal treatment and respect for all religions and castes.
Rajinikanth is all set to enter politics. He is sure to bring change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape with his brand of spiritual politics. Now that his entry is confirmed, it is for people to contemplate if they are ready for the change. It is up to the people to think if they deserve the change. Rajinikanth brand of politics provides an alternate vision to the existing politics in the state, whether people will embrace it, we will know in the coming days. For now, let us appreciate Thalaivar for taking the plunge by putting his health at risk for the sake of people of Tamil Nadu.
AUTHOR
N. Srinivas Jayaprakash, B.A, B.L (Hons.) is a young practicing Advocate who is currently working as a legal Researcher with a sitting High Court Judge on a contractual basis in the Hon’ble Madras High Court. He is an avid reader, debater and a dharmic who is committed to counter fake narratives and distortions that endanger the unity and peaceful fabric of the Indian society. Twitter id- @CustosLegis_Jay
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