Will BJP rope in Rajinikanth to form new party in Tamil Nadu? Wait and watch, says chief Amit Shah

In an exclusive interview with India Today, BJP president Amit Shah rubbished reports about his party backing O Panneerselvam in the duel against Sasikala.

Listen to Story

Advertisement
Will BJP rope in Rajinikanth to form new party in Tamil Nadu? Wait and watch, says chief Amit Shah
BJP president Amit Shah rubbished reports about his party backing Panneerselvam. (India Today Photo)

In Short

  • Amit Shah denies role of BJP in Panneerselvam's revolt against Sasikala.
  • BJP has no role to play in Tamil Nadu, says Amit Shah.
  • "Wait for what happens next," says Amit Shah on whether BJP will rope in Rajinikanth.

Edapaddi Palaniswami, who was picked by AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala as the legislative party leader just days before she was jailed in the disproportionate assets case, is Tamil Nadu's new chief minister.

Governor C Vidyasagar Rao today invited Palaniswami to form the government and given him 15 days to prove majority in the Assembly overlooking caretaker CM O Panneerselvam's claim of having the required numbers.

advertisement

MUST READ: The rise of Chinamma: A quick look ta how VK Sasikala rose to power

With the Governor inviting Palaniswami to take oath, the 10-day long political show in the southern state seems to be over. However, observers believe there's more in store. What will be Panneerselvam's next move? Can the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) use the volatile political situation in Tamil Nadu to prepare its base in the state ahead of 2019 general elections?

MUST READ: Ottarakara Panneerselvam: The Amma stand-in that always stood out in AIADMK

When Panneerselvam's stunning revolt against Sasikala made headlines many believed he had the backing of the party ruling at the Centre. Reports said the BJP may also try and convince Superstar Rajinikanth to float a new political outfit to take advantage of the vacuum created by Jayalalithaa's sudden demise.

ALSO READ: Politics to join Rajinikanth?! Tamil superstar may launch own party; don't do it, says friend Amitabh Bachchan

So, is the BJP really thinking to rope in Rajinikanth? Party president Amit Shah, who is credited for BJP's spectacular win in 2014, refused to give a clear answer while denying any role in Tamil Nadu political crisis.

"As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned we have no role to play. This is AIADMK's internal matter. I don't think there is any instability in Tamil Nadu. What Panneerselvam is doing is his business, the BJP has nothing to do with it," Amit Shah said in an exclusive interview with India Today.

"You are looking for a headline... I won't give you one now. Just wait for what happens ahead," said Amit Shah with a smile.

Amit Shah may have stopped short of revealing his cards at the moment but the BJP is certainly working on a plan to prepare a solid ground for itself ahead of the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha polls. And Rajinikanth could be the gamechanger for the saffron party. What will happen next? The show continues.

advertisement

WATCH: We will form government with full majority in Uttar Pradesh: Amit Shah

ALSO READ:

VK Sasikala's 'floor' test in Bengaluru jail: Prisoner No 9234 denied VIP treatment

Congratulations Tamil Nadu, E Palanisamy is your next chief minister. Who is he?