DMK, political parties flay Rajini’s comments on protests

Puducherry/Chennai: DMK and several other political parties in Tamil Nadu on Thursday hit out at superstar Rajinikanth for his comments that too many protests would turn the state into a 'graveyard'.

However, the ruling AIADMK welcomed his remarks, made in the backdrop of the anti-Sterlite protests, blaming anti-social elements for the recent violence in Tuticorin that resulted in 13 deaths in police firing.

After visiting the injured in Tuticorin, Rajinikanth had on Wednesday warned that Tamil Nadu will become a 'graveyard' if there were too many agitations.

The actor, who has announced he will float a political party, also said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protest by locals demanding closure of Sterlite's copper smelter unit in the southern town.

DMK Working President MK Stalin, MDMK founder Vaiko, AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran and VCK's Thol Thirumavalavan hit out at the aspiring politician for his comments.

Speaking to reporters in neighbouring Puducherry, Stalin said he wondered if Rajinikanth was indeed making his own viewpoint.

"There is a doubt if this is his voice as BJP has also been making such remarks. Whatever it is, he is a superstar and himself has said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protesters.

It would be good for the country if he could identify such persons," he said.
Further, nothing can be resolved without a struggle, Stalin, Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, added.