India
In addition to stating that he will not contest the Lok Sabha election, Rajinikanth also said that he is not supporting anyone and asked that no party use his picture or his outfit's logo for any publicity.
Chennai: On Sunday, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth brought down all speculation about his political ambitions and declared that he would not contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, nor support any party or politician.
In a press release, Rajinikanth said, "I am not supporting anyone. No party should use my picture or my outfit's logo for any publicity. My photo or flags in the name of Rajini Makkal Mandram, and Rajini Fan Club should not be used to support or campaign for any party."
Stating that he will focus on the Assembly elections, he also mentioned in his address to the gathering that Tamil Nadu’s main problem is water. “We need a party that can form governance at the centre and solve the water problem. I request people to think, analyse and vote right" he added.
On December 31, 2017, Rajinikanth announced his political entry in Tamil Nadu and initiated to lead his formal and informal fan clubs, combining them into the Rajini Makkal Mandram. Since then, there has been speculation about his political alliances.
In 2018, as the opposition teamed up against the BJP-led central government, Rajinikanth raised questions as to who would be considered the most powerful if it takes many others to unite against the centre.
Both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, the other noted actor from southern cinema to turn to politics, have stepped into the political void the left in Tamil Nadu after the demise of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa.
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