Chennai sources have stated that members of a fringe pro-Tamil group burnt an effigy of actor Rajinikanth, opposing his entry into politics and with the 'Tamizhar Munnetra Padai' planning to picket the actor's house at Poes Garden, security was stepped up there. The slogan-raising activists burnt an effigy of the actor at the busy Cathedral Road, police said, adding that scores of members of the group were detained.
Sources have stated that the activists raised slogans against Rajinikanth's possible entry into politics, an issue which has gained steam following his hints last week that he could take the plunge. The actor's Kannada origins are often a focal point of discussion in Tamil Nadu, with pro-Tamil groups raising the pitch whenever the Cauvery river water sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka escalates.
Previously the 'Kabali' star had, however asserted
his Tamil identity, saying his native place was a village in Krishnagiri
district in Tamil Nadu. Meanwhile Rajinikanth said “Naan pachai Tamizhan” (I am a pure
Tamil) and if you ask me to get out and throw me away, I will land only in the
Himalayas (which he frequents) and not in any other state".
Meanwhile, sources close to the veteran star said Rajinikanth, who met his fans and had clicked pictures with them last week, yesterday had posed for photographs with the family members of his staff and "close friends".
