Sir — It was unfortunate to read that the Tamil superstar, Rajinikanth, has declared that he will not foray into politics, citing ill health and his general vulnerability to Covid-19. The announcement comes two days before he was supposed to float his own political party (“Rajini cites God, calls off political plunge”, Dec 30). Rajinikanth was recently hospitalized as a precautionary measure against a possible coronavirus infection — four members of the crew of the film that he was shooting for in Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad had tested positive. Although he eventually tested negative, he had to be kept under observation owing to severe fluctuations in blood pressure. The actor, who earlier underwent a kidney transplant and is on immuno-suppressants, sees his recent hospitalization as a “warning from” God to not venture into the murky waters of politics.

While the thalaivar, as he is fondly referred to by his admirers, has apologized for the reversal in his decision, his multitude of fans will certainly be disappointed. Rajinikanth was expected to launch a party on December 31 and field candidates in all 234 seats in the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. But he has rightly decided to prioritize his health, as he should, especially during a pandemic. His fans must respect his decision and pray for his full recovery.

Bhagwan Thadani,
Mumbai

Sir — After much anticipation, Rajinikanth has finally announced that he is not floating a new political party and contesting the upcoming state assembly polls, citing health reasons. A deeply religious man, he regarded his recent hospitalization as a divine warning against entering politics. His occasional speeches to the public had many of us wondering if he was reluctant to join politics but was doing so owing to external pressure. In any case, in view of the pandemic and his history of kidney-related surgery, it seems that even if he did venture into politics he might not have been able to continue for long. An extensive campaign would have required him to be healthy.

It seems that Rajinikanth’s decision has a silver lining. His espousal of ‘spiritual politics’ indicates that he is inclined towards the right on the political spectrum. This might have led to a greater saffronization of politics in Tamil Nadu. While the actor has endeared himself to his fans through his humility and gratitude, his ill-disguised endorsement of Hindu nationalism has been alarming. Whether he extends his support to any party or front in the run-up to the assembly elections remains to be seen.

G. David Milton,
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu

Sir — While it is disappointing that Rajinikanth has declared that he will not be entering politics after much anticipation, we must respect his decision. His ill-health is indeed a matter of concern.

The people of Tamil Nadu had hoped that once Rajinikanth — he is known to be morally righteous — entered politics, he would be able to bring about changes within the system. His decision has probably come as a relief to all other political parties which must have been wary of the actor’s reach among the people. Perhaps his announcement will be seen as a boon by the other beloved Tamil actor-turned-politician, Kamal Haasan, whose party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, performed quite poorly in the 2019 general elections.

N. Mahadevan,
Chennai

Cruel intentions

Sir — The resident of a housing complex in Calcutta was recently charged with animal cruelty after a neighbour accused the man of keeping cats and dogs caged in his apartment. Moreover it was found that the owner did not usually live there but had a domestic help look after the pets. It is heartening that the police immediately took cognizance of the matter and initiated action against the accused. There are plenty of such instances of neglect; dogs are often kept tightly and indefinitely chained. Unless the offenders are dealt with strictly and swiftly, it will be impossible to remedy the situation.

Sramana Dey,
Calcutta