Opposition scoff at Rajini on Thoothukudi remark

Actor-politician Rajinikanth's remarks on Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) protests triggered a political slugfest, with the Opposition demanding to know whether he was speaking the voice of the BJP and the AIADMK.

Expectedly, the AIADMK welcomed Rajinikanth's statement that it was anti-social elements that intruded into May 22 anti-Sterlite protests who indulged in violence saying that he has spoken with a conscience.

"There is a doubt if this is his voice as the BJP has also been making such remarks. Whatever it is, he is a superstar and himself has said anti-social elements had infiltrated the protesters. It would be good for the country if he could identify such persons," DMK working president M K Stalin said.

V K Sasikala's nephew T T V Dhinakaran, MDMK chief Vaiko and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan also tore into the actor for his remarks that Tamil Nadu would turn into a graveyard if people continue to protest on every issue.

The AIADMK's mouthpiece Namadhu Puratchi Thalaivi Amma praised Rajinikanth for his statement.

"Superstar Rajinikanth has spoken frankly with conscience... he has endorsed Chief Minister K Palaniswami's statement that anti-social elements had infiltrated the protestors," it said