For over two decades Rajinikanth kept Tamil Nadu guessing about entering politics, finally launching a party in 2020 only to withdraw months later citing his health.
- Announced party
- December 2020
- Withdrew
- Early 2021, citing health
Given his colossal fan following, Rajinikanth's political intentions were a recurring national story from the 1990s onward. He occasionally influenced elections with his comments but repeatedly stopped short of a full plunge, frustrating supporters who wanted him to lead.
In December 2020 he finally announced that he would launch a political party and contest the Tamil Nadu elections. Weeks later, in early 2021, he reversed course and abandoned the plan, citing a health scare and warnings from doctors. The long will-he-won't-he saga became a defining subplot of his later public life.
Sources
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