A group of angry fans in Thiruchirapalli responded by making a show of declaring their support to the DMK candidate, KN Nehru, for the May 16 polls.
Highlights
- DMDK chief Vijayakanth's comments on superstar Rajinikanth anger his fans
- I am not afraid like Rajinikanth, the former actor said at a public meet
- Many say they'll support DMK candidate KN Nehru during May 16 state polls
In the middle of an election, a comment on mega-star Rajinikanth has left DMDK chief and former actor Vijayakanth facing more than fan fury in Tamil Nadu. A section of Rajinikanth's fans pledged their support to the DMK on Sunday.
Addressing a recent public meeting, Vijayakanth had said: "Vijaykanth is not afraid of anyone. I am not afraid like Rajinikanth..."
He was apparently referring to the superstar's decision to quit smoking in films after the PMK accused him of promoting the habit with his 2002 film "Baba".
A group of angry fans in Thiruchirapalli, the state's fourth most populous city, responded by making a show of declaring their support to the DMK candidate, KN Nehru, for the May 16 polls.
"Vijayakanth continues to describe our dear Rajinikanth as someone who lacks courage. But our leader is beyond politics, an apolitical good person. Don't criticise him. If you do, Rajini fans will bring about a huge change in Tamil Nadu just like in 1996," said S Karnan, who heads the Trichy Rajini Fans Association.
In the 1996 Tamil Nadu polls, the superstar's famous quote - "even God can't save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa returns" - was seen to power the DMK-led alliance, which swept to power by defeating the AIADMK by a landslide.
Rajinikanth supported the AIADMK-BJP alliance in 2004. Since then, the actor has largely maintained a non-political stand but is still seen to be a towering influence on voters.
During the 2014 national election, then prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi called on Rajinikanth during a visit to Chennai. The veteran actor later said it was a courtesy call.