Chennai, Apr 13 (Agencies) : Days before Tamil Nadu goes to polls, BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi met Tamil superstar Rajinikanth at his Chennai residence on Sunday evening.
Modi drove straight to Rajinikanth's residence in Chennai after landing in the city. The superstar’s popularity in the southern states is known to all, his fans idolise him blindly.
In this scenario, can this meeting be seen as a symbol of Thalaivar’s endorsement of the BJP and Modi or was it just a basic courtesy call?
After the meeting the Tamil super star, Rajinikanth addressed the media. He said, “Modi met me earlier as well when I was hospitalised and at that time I invited him over a cup of tea whenever he is in Chennai.”
He further said, “This is the reason Modi ji has come today to meet me on the occasion of Tamil new year. I am a well wisher of Narendra Modi and I believe he is a strong leader.”
Reports suggest that the BJP's poster boy is seeking cinema icon's support for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
BJP leaders had in the past hoped that the party gets some support from the cine star, who has a extensive appeal not just in Tamil Nadu but in other southern states as well. The BJP, which has been a marginal player in Tamil Nadu politics, has aligned with several regional parties and is hoping to put up a good show this time.
The saffron party has, however, termed it to be a "personal meeting" between the duo. Sources in the party said Modi would be in Chennai to address a public meeting but before that, he would go to super star's residence for a "personal meeting".
Will there be implications of the meeting on the Lok Sabha Elections? Even though it is termed a "personal meeting", Modi and his moves cannot be separated from the elections.
While media is abuzz with 'Modi wave' sweeping the nation, the media savvy BJP PM candidate has left no stone unturned to be noticed and acknowledged. Modi has managed to engage the people of the country with his prominent presence on social forums, rigorous campaigning at rallies and grabbing eyeballs by television appearances and print advertisements.
All 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu going to polls on April 24.