Rajinikanth: BJP trying to paint me saffron as they did with Thiruvalluvar statue

Superstar Rajinikanth has alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is trying to “paint me saffron, same they tried with Thiruvalluvar (Tamil poet). The fact remains that neither Thiruvalluvar nor I will fall into their trap.”

Commenting on the controversy over Hindu Makkal Katchi leader, Arjun Sampath draping Thiruvalluvar statue with a saffron shawl, Rajinikanth said, “making Thiruvalluvar wear a saffron stole is BJP's agenda. I think all these issues are blown out of proportion. There are issues which are of greater importance which need to be discussed. I think this is a silly issue.”

The iconic Tamil star had a few months ago converted his informal fan club into the Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) - an association expected to be the base for his political party. Since then there has been constant talk about his joining active politics.