Rajinikanth rejects jealousy’ claims over CM Vijay (Img: Internet)
Chennai: Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday dismissed speculation suggesting that he was unhappy over the political rise of C Joseph Vijay and clarified that he held no political rivalry with the newly elected Tamil Nadu chief minister.
Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Chennai’s Poes Garden, Rajinikanth said he was “surprised and happy” to see Vijay become chief minister and denied reports claiming jealousy or political discomfort.
Responding to media questions, the actor said there was no reason for him to feel jealous because he himself was not involved in politics. Rajinikanth jokingly remarked that perhaps he would feel jealous if fellow actor-politician Kamal Haasan became chief minister, drawing laughter from those present.
The actor praised Vijay’s achievement, noting that at the age of 52, he had accomplished what even legendary cinema icons like M G Ramachandran and N T Rama Rao achieved later in life.
Rajinikanth also highlighted the generational gap between himself and Vijay, saying he had known the actor since childhood and was genuinely pleased with his success.
The superstar also addressed criticism surrounding his recent meeting with M K Stalin following the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results. He clarified that the interaction was a personal meeting rooted in friendship and had no political motive. According to Rajinikanth, his relationship with Stalin goes beyond political affiliations.
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The actor said he felt saddened by Stalin’s defeat in the Kulathur constituency and visited him as a gesture of personal support. Rejecting speculation on social media, Rajinikanth stated that he was “not a cheap or low-standard person” to engage in political plotting or unnecessary controversy.
Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) secured 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and formed the government with support from alliance partners, including Congress, VCK, Left parties and IUML.
The victory ended the decades-long dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu politics.
