Coimbatore: Since the Supreme Court has directed the Centre to expedite the scheme for linking national rivers, there was no necessity for continuing his 'people's movement' (makkal iyakkam), South Indian film star Rajnikanth said on December 22.

Addressing a large gathering as part of the 88th birthday celebrations of his spiritual guru Swami Sachidananda Maharaj, who attained 'samadhi' (salvation) recently, Rajnikanth said that he had mooted the movement to achieve the goal of linking the rivers.

As the Supreme Court had already directed the Centre to take serious steps on the project, the movement now appeared to be not relevant, he said.

Rajnikanth had announced to donate Rs one crore for the implementation of the project, after he undertook a fast seeking the release of Cauvery water from Karnataka.

Stating that the Centre could bring in a new Legislation by amending the Constitution for the implementation of the project, Rajnikanth said that the work could be entrusted to private entrepreneurs.

He also suggested to name the project after Bhagiratha, who according to Hindu mythology brought down Ganges from heaven.

PTI