Rajinikanth Lambasts Anti-Social Elements For Sterlite Deaths; Says Cannot Demand CM’s Resignation At Every Turn

On a visit to Tuticorin to meet those injured during the Sterlite protests, Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has blamed anti-social elements for turning the protests violent and also announced a Rs 2 lakh compensation for the kin of those who were killed during the protests.

Coming down hard on the miscreants for hijacking the protests, he said that they should be controlled with an ‘iron hand’, in the same way former Chief Minister (CM) Jayalalitha would’ve done, Times of India reported.

"The present government should follow her example and control such miscreants with an iron hand. Such elements pose a threat to Tamil Nadu," he said.

He also appealed the public to differentiate between protest for a good cause and one manufactured by such anti-social elements. He asked the authorities to identify the miscreants through the CCTV footage and make their identities public along with severe punishment.

Defending the Tamil Nadu CM E Palaniswami, he criticised the practice of asking for the CM’s resignation on every issue. “We can’t ask (for) resignation on every single issue,” he said. However, he asked the government to learn a lesson and ensure better handling of issues next time.

He also stressed on the worsening investment environment in the state due to the continuous protests. "As it is, our agriculture is on the wane. Without investment we will not have jobs," he said.