Actor Rajinikanth said he would have won the 2021 [1] Tamil Nadu Assembly elections if he had chosen to contest in the race.
The comments address the intersection of cinema and governance in Tamil Nadu, where film stars frequently transition into high-ranking political roles. This specific reflection comes as actor Vijay assumes the position of Chief Minister.
Rajinikanth addressed his views on political ambition and the current leadership of the state. He said he holds no jealousy toward Vijay regarding his recent appointment to the state's top executive office.
The actor referenced the 2021 [1] elections as a missed opportunity for his own political ascent. He suggested that his popularity at that time would have been sufficient to secure a victory, a claim that highlights the enduring influence of celebrity in the region's electoral landscape.
While Rajinikanth has long been a figure of political speculation in India, he did not enter the 2021 [1] contest. His recent remarks serve to clarify his relationship with Vijay and his own standing among the electorate.
The transition from the film industry to the Chief Minister's office is a recurring theme in Tamil Nadu politics. By asserting that he could have won previously, Rajinikanth frames his absence from the current administration as a choice rather than a lack of viability.
“I would've won if I contested in 2021”
The statement underscores the deep-seated connection between the Tamil film industry and political power. By claiming he could have won the 2021 election, Rajinikanth maintains his image as a potent political force despite not holding office, while simultaneously legitimizing Vijay's rise by framing it as a non-competitive event for himself.
