State BJP leaders, CM welcome Rajini's political plunge

State BJP leaders on Sunday welcomed the decision of actor Rajinikanth to enter politics.

BJP state general secretary Shobha Karandlaje, while welcoming Rajinikanth's decision, said the actor could go in for a tie-up with the BJP and it would be in the interest of the country. "Rajinikanth's entry will give a new thrust to politics in Tamil Nadu due to his immense fan following," she said.

Union Minister for Statistics and Programme Implementation D V Sadananda Gowda was not very specific on BJP having a tie-up with Rajinikanth's political party. "We will wait and see", he said.

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar said Rajinikanth's entry into politics would have no bearing on Karnataka. "He is trying to fill the vacuum in Tamil Nadu politics, following the death of Jayalalitha," Shettar said.

Former deputy chief minister R Ashoka said Rajinikanth was chief minister material. "I wish him well. He is one of us. I wish he becomes chief minister of Tamil Nadu," Ashoka said.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also welcomed Rajinikanth's decision to enter politics. "If Rajinikanth is keen on entering politics, he should do so. He has good intentions. We need people with good intentions in politics," Siddaramaiah said.

Reddy to return to politics?
Mining baron and former minister B Janaradhan Reddy may soon return to active politics, his close associate and Ballari MP B Sriramulu indicated on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters, Sriramulu said party workers were keen that Reddy return to active politics. "He (Reddy) may contest the Assembly polls, if he is given a ticket by the party" Sriramulu said and added that he would speak to BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa and Karnataka election incharge Prakash Javadekar in this regard.

Reddy has been in political hibernation after the CBI filed cases of illegal mining against him.