Edappadi K Palansiwami, BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran condemn Aadhav Arjuna over remarks on Rajinikanth

CHENNAI: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palansiwami and BJP Tamil Nadu president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday condemned remarks by TVK general secretary Aadhav Arjuna that actor Rajinikanth dropped his plans to launch political party due to threat from DMK. BJP has demanded an apology from Aadhav Arjuna.

"Superstar Rajinikanth commands immense respect across spectrum for his abilities and talent. A TVK party functionary's attack on such a personality is unacceptable," EPS said in an X post. "Entering politics is one's right, as is staying out.

He (Rajinikanth) cited valid reasons for staying out. Respect that choice; politicising it is political incivility," EPS said. EPS added that the actor earned MGR's love and J Jayalalithaa's respect. The statement comes four days after Aadhav made the remark that unlike Rajinikanth, Vijay withstood pressure and launched a party.

In a post on X, Nagenthran said Rajinikanth, who completed more than five decades in cinema, is respected across political and social spheres and enjoys the affection of people cutting across caste, religion and language. "It is unacceptable for Mr Aadhav Arjuna to speak wrongly about such a dignified personality in public," he said.

Nagenthran recollected that Rajinikanth had received honours including Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He said the actor also enjoyed respect of national leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Nagenthran urged TVK president Vijay to intervene. "The leader of that party should condemn such remarks and advise him not to engage in such actions," he said. Last week, Aadhav Arjuna alleged that actor Rajinikanth faced pressure from DMK when he attempted to enter politics and suggested that such intimidation discouraged him from pursuing a political career.

He said unlike Rajinikanth, TVK president Vijay showed the resolve to withstand such pressure. The remarks drew reactions from political leaders and sections of Rajinikanth's supporters. His fan clubs in Madurai announced that they will contest against Aadhav in the 2026 polls to defeat him and show Rajini's strength.