Protests erupt against the superstar saying that he was a Kannadiga and was not welcome in Tamil Nadu politics.

Chennai: Rajinikanth’s political trial balloon has ignited passions in Tamil Nadu with his fans up against fringe groups that are opposing his entry into politics, alleging that he was an outside, a Kannadiga who kept silent over Cuavery issue while Tamil Nadu’s farmers were starving.

Not once did Rajinikanth open his mouth when farmers from Tamil Nadu were protesting in New Delhi and on many issues relating to Tamils and Tamil Nadu he remained silent, is the allegation made by fringe Tamil groups that launched a stir against his possible entry into politics.

On Monday, a fringe group Tamilar Munnetra Padai, held a demonstration near his house and burnt his effigy and shouted slogans against him and wanted him not to come anywhere near politics. He is good as an actor and he should confine himself to films only, said a protester.

The reaction of pro-Tamil groups was matched by Rajikanth fans, who also congregated in the city and burnt the effigy of Tamilar Munnetra Padai chief Veeralakshmi, who had led the demonstration against Rajinikanth in the morning where the superstar’s effigy was burnt.

Police detained Rajinikanth followers too, just like the activists of fringe Tamil groups, to prevent untoward incidents.

Police also stepped up security around the residence of Rajinikanth in Poes Garden. Police sources confirmed that 60 personnel were posted on security duty to guard Rajinikanth’s residence.

Early in the morning, fringe Tamil group activists congregated at Cathedral Road and burnt an effigy of the superstar and shouted slogans saying that he should not enter politics.

The police took them into custody and lodged them under police security at marriage hall at nearby Royapeta.

Meanwhile, political parties remained divided on Rajinikanth’s entry into politics. While the BJP wants him to join the party, others felt that not much purpose would be served as Tamil Nadu people loved his films but when it came to politics, it was the Dravidian parties that held sway.