'Time doesn’t speak, but it gives answer': Ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, Rajinikant slams TVK chief Vijay's aide for 'slanderous' remarks

Actor Rajinikant.

Actor Rajinikanth has expressed his strong displeasure following comments made by Aadhav Arjuna, general secretary of Thalapathy Vijay's party Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Putting out a letter on X, the actor expressed his gratitude 'to everyone who condemned his (Arjuna's) slanderous remarks and raised their voices...Time doesn’t speak, but it waits and gives the answer."

Rajinikanth thanked Tamil Nadu Leader of Opposition Edappadi Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran and many other leaders from different political parties.

A few days ago, TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna claimed that Rajinikanth stayed away from politics due to threats from the DMK’s first family, contrary to the actor's own declaration in 2020 where he cited the Covid-19 pandemic and his health condition as his reasons to not enter politics.

Leaders of AIADMK and the BJP criticised Arjuna's controversial remarks. According to an NDTV report, AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami termed the comments “politically indecent” and rallied in defence of Rajinikanth.

"Rajinikanth is a respected cinematic personality admired beyond politics. Speaking in a manner that tarnishes his reputation is unacceptable. Entering politics is an individual's right, and so is choosing not to. He has explained his reasons, and they must be respected," Palaniswami said.

BJP leader K Annamalai criticised Arjuna, calling the latter’s claims an “illusion”. Pointing to Rajinikanth’s decades-long career, Annamalai said maintaining such prominence for over 50 years demonstrated extraordinary “mental strength”.

Talks of an NDA-Vijay alliance for the Tamil Nadu elections hit a roadblock after Arjuna's controversial remarks against the superstar.

According to reports, the BJP offered the post of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister to Vijay if the NDA wins the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly election. Leaders within the BJP had also claimed that the NDA had reached out to TVK with an offer of up to 80 seats.

Vijay’s party is preparing for its electoral debut, relying on the actor’s mass appeal and aiming to replicate the breakthrough successes of Dravidian leaders such as CN Annadurai and MG Ramachandran.

Tamil Nadu is set for a four-way contest on April 23. The counting will be held on May 4. The ruling DMK is aiming for a second consecutive term, while the AIADMK, after reviving its alliance with the BJP, looks to stage a comeback after three successive defeats.