'Beleaguered' Congress says, Rajinikanth should not come to politics

Chennai, Nov 6: Tamil superstar Rajinikanth may have been wooed by BJP and G K Vasan, who broke away from Congress, but newly appointed Congress chief in Tamil Nadu E V K S Elangovan feels he should not enter politics.

"Rajinikanth should not come to politics at all. This is my opinion. He has fans in all political parties. He is widely respected by the Tamil Nadu people," Elangovan told PTI.

The much adored actor, who came out in support of erstwhile Tamil Maanila Congress floated by Vasan's father G K Moopanar in 1996, should not confine himself to a small circle, he said.

Elangovan, however, added "All citizens who are committed to secularism, including Rajinikanth are welcome to join Congress."

As a national political party, Congress "is open to all citizens with enduring faith in secularism, inclusive growth and democratic values," he added.

Rajnikanth is wooed vigorously by the BJP in Tamil Nadu to strengthen the party in the state keeping its eyes on 2016 assembly elections as it wanted to present an alternative to AIADMK and DMK.

The iconic actor had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Lok Sabha election campaign.

Vasan, who last week broke away from Congress to chart his own course in the state, too has reportedly sought the support of Rajinikanth, whose backing to the TMC at the height of anti-AIADMK campaign on the corruption plank helped it emerge victor in the 1996 elections in alliance with DMK.

PTI