"Emerging star in Indian politics, all set for 2026": Rajinikanth backs TN CM MK Stalin for victory in upcoming polls

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], September 14 (ANI): Actor Rajinikanth expressed confidence in Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's victory in the 2026 Assembly elections and called him the "star of Indian politics".
Attending the 50th Golden Jubilee Celebration of Tamil Musician Ilaiyaraaja on Saturday, Rajinikanth said that Stalin is posing a challenge for the NDA government in the Centre and his rivals.
He said, "MK Stalin is emerging as a star in Indian politics. MK Stalin is posing a challenge not only to the ruling government in the Centre but also to his new and old rivals. My friend with his trademark smile appears all set for 2026."
CM MK Stalin, along with Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President and actor Kamal Hassan, actor Rajinikanth, and musician Ilaiyaraaja, attended the '50th Golden Jubilee Celebration of Tamil Musician Ilaiyaraaja'.
Tamil Nadu is set to undergo Legislative Assembly Elections early next year; however, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is yet to announce the date.
Interestingly, Rajinikanth's support for Stalin came on the same day Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay began his election campaign with a massive rally in the Tiruchirappalli district.
Earlier in Truchy, Vijay delivered a fiery speech questioning the ruling DMK over its 'unfulfilled' electoral promises mentioned in their 2021 election manifesto.
Addressing a massive crowd, Vijay began his speech with a reference to tradition, saying, "In the olden days, before going to war, people would first visit their family deity for blessings. Similarly, before heading into an electoral battle, I wanted to meet and greet my people.
Addressing the DMK government's 2021 election manifesto, he highlighted several promises that remain unfulfilled. "Out of the 505 assurances they made, what has been implemented? Where is the Rs 3 reduction in diesel prices, the monthly electricity bill calculation, the waiver of student education loans, 40 per cent job reservation for women in government services, the restoration of the old pension scheme, and the filling of two lakh government vacancies?" he asked.
Politics in Tamil Nadu has heated up in the run-up to the elections which are due in 2026.
Earlier this month, AMMK General Secretary TTV Dinakaran had announced that the party is "coming out of the NDA Alliance", giving a blow to the AIADMK-BJP alliance.
The AIADMK-BJP alliance will lock horns with the ruling DMK in the State, while the newly launched TVK will contest independently of the two camps. (ANI)