Rajinikanth's Prospects as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu: A Critical Analysis

The question of whether Rajinikanth will become the Chief Minister (CM) of Tamil Nadu after the 2021 Assembly Elections has sparked considerable debate and speculation. This article aims to analyze Rajinikanth's potential as a political leader and the challenges he might face in this role.

The Historical Context

Historically, the CM of Tamil Nadu has often been associated with the Thalaivar (leader) of the respective political party. MGR, the late Chief Minister, was the Thalaivar of the All India Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Similarly, the current Chief Minister, Stalin, is the Thalaivar of the DMK. Thus, it is not surprising that the question arises: will Rajinikanth, the iconic film star, ever become the Thalaivar of Tamil Nadu?

Past Opportunities and Missed Moments

Contrary to what some might hope, the opportunity for Rajinikanth to lead as the CM of Tamil Nadu has already passed. Back in 1993, he had a chance to join politics but ultimately chose to stick to his acting career. Since then, he became more aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), serving as their mouthpiece and accepting incentives from them, such as the waiver of income tax demand.

Challenges and Obstacles

Based on various factors, it appears that Rajinikanth's political career, particularly if it were to culminate in becoming the CM of Tamil Nadu, might face significant challenges:

1. Missed Previous Opportunities

Rajinikanth has repeatedly had opportunities to delve into politics, use 'Shock and Awe' tactics, and influence public opinion. However, he has often backed out due to various reasons. The current political environment and ideological landscape make it highly improbable for him to win in the 2021 Assembly Elections. His lack of political experience and the savvy of potential opponents who are well aware of his ideology and tactics make him a less-than-competitive candidate.

2. Party Dynamics and Image-based Politics

If Rajinikanth does enter politics, his entire party would likely revolve around his image and charisma. He could struggle to assemble a competent and dedicated team. The candidates he selects might either be devoted fans or merely opportunists seeking exposure. Consequently, if he were to win, his party would become a vote-cutter entity, only having the potential to swing the balance in a hung assembly or parliament.

3. Current Actor Status vs. Political Legacy

Currently, Rajinikanth is a successful actor, whereas Kamal Hassan faces financial difficulties. His strong professional ties with the DMK movie mafia in Tamil Nadu indicate a mutually beneficial relationship. While Rajinikanth has successfully established himself as a successful actor, it's unclear if his political image and actions can translate into lasting political success.

Conclusion

The road to becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is fraught with challenges for Rajinikanth, whether viewed from a historical, personal, or practical lens. While the thought of him leading as a political figure is intriguing, the current trajectory and state of Tamil Nadu's political landscape make it highly unlikely for his dream to come true. Despite the potential for a compelling political career, Rajinikanth's involvement in politics seems uncertain at this stage.