PUDUKKOTTAI: Tamil Nadu minister S. Raghupathi has rejected allegations that the DMK threatened actor Rajinikanth, calling the charge “a blatant lie” in an interview.
Raghupathi said Rajinikanth is not someone who can be intimidated and would not yield to threats. He alleged that such claims, if raised by members linked to actor Vijay’s party, could be aimed at political gain, adding that Rajinikanth is a friend of the DMK.
Recalling the 1996 period, the minister said Rajinikanth had voiced support for the DMK to come to power and remains a respected friend. He urged critics not to make allegations against either Rajinikanth or the DMK.
On law and order, Raghupathi said opposition parties repeatedly claim the situation has deteriorated, but insisted it is “good” and that Tamil Nadu is among the safest states in India. He said the Manamadurai incident has been handed over to the CBCID and that the Chief Minister would not protect anyone found guilty.
He also dismissed claims about custodial deaths, saying it is false to compare figures in a way that suggests there were none under the AIADMK and 27 under the DMK. He said any custodial death would be investigated and punishment ensured, and asserted that the DMK-led alliance would win in 2026.
