Published Mar 17, 2026 | 1:27 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 17, 2026 | 1:27 PM
Rajinikanth thanked all those who supported him after TVK leader's comment.
Synopsis: Rajinikanth’s fans have come out against TVK. In Madurai, posters appeared, saying, “Pain, shame, insult”. They also warned that “Time won’t speak but will definitely answer” and issued a challenge: “Let’s meet on the field, it’s over.”
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) seems to have triggered a ‘fan war’ in poll-bound Tamil Nadu with the general secretary of its election wing, Aadhav Arjuna, dragging superstar Rajinikanth into the political arena.
Arjuna stirred a hornet’s nest on 12 March, saying DMK issued threats to thwart Rajnikanth’s much-awaited foray into politics.
Aadhav Arjuna. (X)
Obliquely referring to MK Stalin’s family at a TVK rally in Chennai, he said the threats — and not reported ill-health — prevented the 75-year-old thespian from entering politics. He added that actor Vijay dared to withstand similar challenges and enter politics through the TVK.
The TVK leader’s comment invited criticism from several quarters in the state with a fan culture that idolises movie stars.
Actor Rajinikanth’s statement.
On Tuesday, 17 March, Rajinikanth responded, thanking political leaders, film personalities, journalists, and his fans for supporting him against Arjuna’s remarks.
Stating that Arjuna, who holds a key position in the TVK, had made comments about him that were “contrary to the truth,” Rajinikanth expressed gratitude to those who condemned the remarks and spoke in his support.
He specifically thanked Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagendran, Union Minister L Murugan, Minister S Regupathy, VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, AIADMK leader SP Velumani, BJP leader K Annamalai, Arjunamoorthy, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, GK Vasan, John Pandian, and Pugazhendhi, among others.
He also thanked film personalities, including Ameer and G Dhananjayan, as well as media persons such as Nakkheeran Gopal and Rangaraj Pandey, for backing him.
“Time may not speak immediately, but it will wait and give an answer,” Rajinikanth said in his statement.
The development came after several political leaders, including Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Nainar Nagendran, condemned Arjuna’s remarks.
Rajinikanth’s fans, too, came out against Arjuna. In Madurai, posters appeared, saying, “Pain, shame, insult”. They also warned that “Time won’t speak but will definitely answer” and issued a challenge: “Let’s meet on the field, it’s over.”
TVK president Vijay has not responded to Arjuna’s comments.
