Calling his entry into politics as ''a compulsion of time'', superstar Rajinikanth announced that he will contest in all of the Tamil Nadu's 234 constituencies in the next Assembly polls. The Thalaiva who will practice ''spiritual politics'' was greeted warmly by his fans. Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Anupam Kher wished him a successful journey.
Amitabh, a close friend of Rajinkanth, tweeted: "My dear friend, my colleague and a humble considerate human Rajinkanth announces his decision to enter politics. My best wishes to him for his success."
Kabir Bedi said: "Wishing the great Rajinikanth, Tamil Nadu's greatest hope for cleaning up its political system, the greatest success."
Actor Anupam Kher noted how on the last day of 2017 came the "biggest newsmaker of the year": "Rajinikanth joins politics. Jai Ho."
Actor Riteish Deshmukh, son of late former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, was also excited. "He gave his heart and soul to his art form and people's love made him Rajinikanth. I am sure the nobility of his intention will receive as much love as he announces his political entry. I wish you all the very best and super success Sir," he wrote.
The next Tamil Nadu Assembly polls are slated to be held in 2021. Rajinikanth also emphasised that the decision to contest in the 2019 Parliamentary elections will be taken at an appropriate time.
(With IANS inputs)
