Superstar Rajinikanth on Sunday dismissed claims that he was "jealous" of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, and clarified that his recent meeting with DMK president M K Stalin was purely a courtesy visit, with no political motive behind it.
Speaking to reporters at his Poes Garden residence, he responded to recent reports and made it clear that the meeting with the former Tamil Nadu CM was not an attempt to hinder Vijay's chief ministerial aspirations or to signal any political realignment.
"In a democracy, victory and defeat are natural. Still, I felt a bit disheartened when Stalin lost here in Kolathur (in the recently held Assembly elections). I met him in a friendly way," he said.
Dismissing allegations of envy toward TVK founder and CM Vijay, Rajinikanth said there is a 25-year age gap between them and praised Vijay's achievements at a young age, stating that they even surpass those of legendary actors-turned-leaders M G Ramachandran and N T Rama Rao, who later went on to become CM of Tamil Nadu and undivided Andhra Pradesh, respectively.
"I have seen Vijay since he was young. Why would I be jealous if he became CM at such a young age of 52? He has achieved more than MGR and NTR. I have no envy at all," he added.
Rajinikanth also congratulated Vijay, whose TVK reportedly won 108 seats to form the government with support from the Congress, VCK, Left parties, and IUML after the April 23 elections, defeating the Dravidian majors DMK and AIADMK.
"The expectations are very high. I believe he will fulfill them. But people should give him a break for two years. Let him be left alone for two years. His party functionaries and fans must also behave responsibly. There is a sense that even if he makes mistakes, it will mostly affect Vijay," he said.
When asked about a party outside the traditional Dravidian fold coming to power in Tamil Nadu and its impact, he replied, "People have seen the same political pattern for 50-60 years. They wanted change, and for that change, Vijay has come at the right time."
The superstar further clarified that he did not enter politics due to health reasons and advised his fans to support any political party of their choice.
