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The Thalaiva turbulence: How will Rajini's political entry impact TN polls

T E Narasimhan looks at how the entry of superstar Rajinikanth may change the script of the 2021 Tamil Nadu polls

Rajinikanth
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Tamil actor Rajinikanth

T E Narasimhan
It’s a debate that has been on for nearly a decade: Whether Rajinikanth will enter politics. It came to a conclusive end on Friday after the 69-year-old actor-turned-politician announced to launch a political party in January and contest the 2021 Assembly elections. V K Sasikala, a close aide of late J Jayalalithaa, will also be released from jail in January, throwing two unpredictables in the volatile political mix of Tamil Nadu.

Very little is known about Rajinikanth’s politics — his political motto and ideology and whether he would go solo or have alliances. Judging by his statements, the chances of