Veteran actor Rajinikanth on Sunday, 17 May firmly rejected social media claims that he was unhappy about Vijay becoming Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, calling the speculation baseless and urging the public to disregard it. Speaking at his Poes Garden residence in Chennai, the superstar addressed a range of rumours surrounding his relationship with Vijay and his recent interactions with political leaders.

No Jealousy, No Rivalry

'There is a 28-year age difference between Vijay and me. Why would I be jealous of him becoming Chief Minister?' Rajinikanth said, responding directly to journalists. He made clear he had no reason to feel disappointed over Vijay's political success, describing such claims as wholly without foundation.

Rajinikanth also acknowledged that Vijay's meteoric rise in Tamil Nadu politics — and his ability to break through the entrenched dominance of the two major Dravidian parties — had genuinely surprised him. However, he stressed that surprise was not the same as resentment.

On M.K. Stalin and the Election Results

The veteran actor spoke warmly about his long-standing relationship with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, saying he had known him for several decades. Rajinikanth admitted he felt deeply saddened by Stalin's defeat in the Kolathur constituency during the recent Assembly elections — a candid admission that underscored the personal nature of his political associations.

Swearing-In Absence Explained

Rajinikanth also addressed criticism over his absence from Vijay's swearing-in ceremony. He clarified that he had never attended the oath-taking ceremonies of any Chief Minister in the past, and said his absence should not be read as a political statement. He went on to congratulate Vijay on assuming office and offered pointed advice to his supporters: 'His fans and party workers must now be very careful. Whatever they do will ultimately affect Vijay,' he said, emphasising that the conduct of supporters would directly shape the image of the new administration.

Backchannel Rumours and Social Media Speculation

The rumours had intensified following Rajinikanth's recent meeting with Stalin, with social media flooded with claims that he had played a backchannel role in political discussions involving rival alliances. Sections of Vijay's supporters had accused Rajinikanth of attempting to obstruct their leader's political ascent. His remarks on Sunday appeared squarely aimed at putting those allegations to rest.

Away from Active Politics

Rajinikanth reiterated that he had stepped away from active politics and had no plans to re-enter the arena — a position he has maintained publicly for some time. With Tamil Nadu's political landscape reshaped by Vijay's unexpected victory, all eyes will now be on how the new Chief Minister navigates governance amid heightened public scrutiny of his supporters' conduct.