Chennai: Tamil superstar Rajnikant sat on a nine-hour fast in the city at 08:00
hours (IST) on October 13 demanding Cauvery waters from Karnataka.
This is a parallel show of protest by the actor as only on October 12 the Tamil film
industry organised a huge rally and a public meeting in Neyveli on the same issue.
Clad in a white kurta and pyjama, the actor was joined in the fast among others by
actors Vijaykumar, Abbas, music director Ganesh and others. Former Union Minister P
Chidambaram inaugurated the fast by presenting a shawl and garlanding the actor.
Speaking to reporters at his residence before his departure to the fast site at
Chepauk in front the state guest house, Rajnikant said he was undertaking the fast
demanding Cauvery waters as directed by the Supreme Court.
Asked to comment on film director Bharatiraja's attack on him at Neyveli on October
12 calling him as a traitor, Rajnikant said, "He (Bharatiraja) had used such words
because he was emotionally surcharged. It is not fair," he said.
Rajnikant, who squatted on the floor at a specially erected dais, maintained total
silence during his fast and occasionally accepted garlands and bouquets presented by
his well wishers and film personalities.
The portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and saint poet Thiruvalluvar formed the black
backdrop, which displayed the slogan, "The Supreme Court verdict is the verdict of
God".
Actors Rajeev Alex and actress Jayachitra also joined the fast later.
Speaking to reporters after sharing the stage with the Rajnikant for 15 minutes,
Chidambaram said the fast by the actor was only to express his 'feelings' though it
might not help to bring Cauvery waters.
Answering a question, he said, "We cannot deny the fact that political colour is
being given to the issue."
Responding to another question, he said the unsavoury remarks by Bharatiraja about
Rajnikant should have been avoided.
PTI
