‘I’m Not A Cheap Person’: Rajinikanth Responds To Speculation About ‘Rivalry’ With Vijay

Chennai: Ever since the Tamil Nadu election results were declared, Rajinikanth was apparently unhappy over the victory of C Joseph Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

On Sunday, Rajinikanth dismissed claims of discontent and denied rumours about any possible political merger at a press conference organised at his Poes Garden residence on Sunday.

“If I do not respond to them, they will become accepted as the truth. After the election results, I went and met MK Stalin, and that became a subject of criticism. Our friendship is beyond politics. I felt saddened that MK Stalin was defeated in Kulathur,” the veteran actor explained.

“Rumours started spreading that I said Vijay shouldn’t become CM or that I was trying to merge two parties. Some are saying that I didn’t wish him at the airport when I already wished him on X,” he added.

“Rajini is not a cheap or low-standard person to speak unnecessarily about anything else. I was extremely shocked when I heard that Vijay had become the Chief Minister. As soon as the Chief Minister won, I congratulated him. I’m not even in politics, so why would I be jealous of Vijay? Maybe if Kamal (Haasan) becomes the CM, I might get jealous. (smiles) There is a 25-year generation gap between Vijay and me. It won’t look good if we compete,” Rajinikanth continued.

Praising Vijay, he said, “At the age of 52, he has achieved more than MGR and NTR. He faced and won against the BJP at the Centre and two parties here. It was a surprise-filled happiness for me. No Jealousy. A lot of expectations for Vijay and my best wishes to him.”

Chennai, Tamil Nadu: Actor Rajinikanth holds a press conference at his residence in Poes Garden.

He says, “I am holding this press meet because many criticisms are being made about me in connection with the election. If I do not respond to them, they will become accepted as the… pic.twitter.com/5gwzbKt13u

— ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2026

When Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ leaked online in HD print, Rajinikanth publicly condemned it. “The release of the Jananayakan film online by someone has caused shock and pain. Screening organisations must raise their voice against this, and the government should identify those responsible and impose severe punishment. Such crimes must not continue in the future.”

After the TN election results were announced on May 4, Rajini congratulated Vijay. “My congratulations to Thiru Vijay, President of the victorious Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and to the members of his party, on their resounding victory in the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. @TVKVijayHQ.”

However, Rajinikanth drew criticism from for remaining silent while TVK was struggling to establish its majority before the Governor, and also for skipping Vijay’s swearing-in ceremony.

“I have never participated in swearing-in ceremonies. Have you ever seen me attending the swearing-in ceremonies of past CMs?” questioned Rajinikanth at the press meet.

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