Will Rajinikanth's Absence in Tamil Nadu Politics Impact BJP’s Aspirations?
Recently, there has been a lot of speculation about whether Rajinikanth, the iconic Indian film superstar, will withdraw from politics. This question not only fascinates fans but also poses a significant challenge for political parties, especially the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
BJP's History in the South
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has long aspired to enter the political landscape of south India, with its first President from the region being Bangaru Laxman, followed by Jana Krishnamurthy and Venkaiah Naidu. Post the rise of Narendra Modi, the BJP has made consistent efforts to expand its influence in the southern states. One of the key battlegrounds is Tamil Nadu, a state renowned for its strong political parties like the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIDMK).
Rajinikanth's Political Journey
Rajinikanth's move into politics has been a topic of discussion for years. He has expressed support for various BJP policies, including the inter-linking of rivers, demonetization, and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). The superstar even went as far as to compare PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to the characters of Krishna and Arjuna from the epic Mahabharata.
BJP's Ambitions and Rajinikanth's Potential Impact
According to many, Rajinikanth's entry into politics was poised to significantly bolster the BJP's ambitions in Tamil Nadu. His influential status in the state, coupled with his political endorsements, could have led to a far-reaching impact on the political landscape. If Rajinikanth had started his own party, the BJP was expected to form a strategic alliance with it, thereby making the BJP a second-tier player. However, if Rajinikanth backed out, the BJP can potentially become the leading player in Tamil Nadu with both direct and indirect support.
Back-and-Forth on Potential Party Alliance
BJP supporters and political analysts had anticipated that in the event Rajinikanth floated a new party, BJP would be the natural ally. Both AIDMK and BJP expressed optimism and willingness to form a coalition, hoping to counter the DMK's vote bank. However, BJP leaders denied that they were pushing Rajinikanth to join the party, emphasizing that his health and well-being were the top priority.
Khushbu Sundar, a spokesperson for BJP and an actor, clarified, "We never spoke on those lines. We maintained that Rajinikanth was most welcome to join BJP so we have never claimed him. We are not pushing Mr Rajinikanth. We have said anyone is welcome to join the BJP if Rajini wanted to join the BJP we would have been happy to have him on board." She further added, "Rajinikanth's health is the most important, and his exit from the political stage would be a disappointment for everyone in Tamil Nadu."
Conclusion
The outcome of Rajinikanth's political journey remains uncertain. Whether he withdraws from politics or not, it will have a significant impact on the electoral dynamics in Tamil Nadu. BJP's ambitions and strategies will undoubtedly be affected, but the landscape of south Indian politics will continue to evolve based on the decisions taken by key political figures like Rajinikanth.