Rajinikanth urges people to vote, evades query on money row

Chennai, May 16: South Indian superstar Rajinikanth today urged people to vote, saying it is the duty of all citizens to exercise their franchise.

He, however, declined to comment on allegations of distribution of money by candidates in Tamil Nadu. "Everybody should vote and that is our duty," he told reporters after voting at Stella Maris College premises.

Asked about allegations of distribution of money and postponement of elections, he merely said, "No comments". EC has postponed polls in Aravakurichi and Thanjavur seats following allegations of distribution of money.

Another veteran actor Kamal Haasan said, "Higher the polling percentage, it is good for democracy and my feeling too is that it should be higher." Asked who should come to power, he said "good people".

He voted at a polling station in Teynampet along with actress Gowthami. Actor Ajith Kumar, hailed as "Thala" (leader), cast his vote along with wife Shalini. Actor turned politician Kushboo and her actor-director husband Sundar C also cast their votes.

Comedian Vivek, actors Prabhu, Sivakarthikevyan, Jeeva, Meena, lyricist Vairamuthu too exercised their franchise. Actor-turned politician and chief of Nam Tamizhar Katchi, Seeman, said those who distributed money were "sinners," and asked all the people to exercise their franchise.

PTI