Rajinikanth says Modi stronger than 10 persons aligning against him
What's the story
Veteran actor Rajinikanth today, while speaking to reporters in Chennai, virtually threw his weight behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying the latter was "stronger" than "10 persons" aligning against him.
The remarks of the superstar, who has expressed willingness to join politics, came amid speculation that the opposition parties are looking at a mega coalition against the Modi government for 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
Details
'If 10 declare a war against one man, who's stronger?'
"If 10 persons declare a war against one man, who's stronger," he asked, when questioned on the possibility of an alliance by opposition parties.
While responding to a question whether the BJP was such a 'dangerous' party electorally that warranted formation of a mega national alliance against it, Rajinikanth said if "they (opposition parties) feel that way, then it should be definitely like that."
Information
Whether he'd align with BJP, Rajinikanth keeps guessing game alive
The actor has already announced he'll take the political plunge and contest from all 234 seats in the next Assembly elections, originally due in 2021. He's yet to launch his party. Asked whether he'd align with the BJP, he said it will be decided later.
Observation
Despite heaping praise, Rajinikanth describes implementation of demonetization as 'flawed'
Rajinikanth is touted to be inclined towards the BJP, with Modi himself meeting the veteran star on more than one occasion in the recent past, including once at his Chennai residence.
His critics have often claimed that he was favorably disposed towards the saffron party.
However, yesterday he described the implementation of the much-hyped 2016 demonetization effort by the Prime Minister as 'flawed'.
Efforts
Meanwhile, attempts of opposition unity are in full swing
Meanwhile, TDP chief, N Chandrababu Naidu, recently visited DMK president M K Stalin in Chennai in an effort to bring together various parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha election to dislodge the BJP-led Central government.
Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi has also been batting for opposition unity against the BJP and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee is a vocal critic of the saffron party-led government.