Did Latha Rajinikanth start an organisation right after K Annamalai's We The Leaders?
Fact check: No, Latha Rajinikanth didn't start Makkal Medai after Annamalai
Reports linking Latha Rajinikanth's Makkal Medai to K Annamalai's 'We The Leaders' announcement are doing the rounds, but the timeline tells a different story entirely
Following K Annamalai's announcement that he has quit the BJP and is launching a new organisation called We The Leaders, social media has been buzzing with claims that Latha Rajinikanth, wife of superstar Rajinikanth and known for her philanthropic work, has started a similar organisation called Makkal Medai.
What actually happened
However, it turns out that Latha's Makkal Medai is months old. It is confirmed that Makkal Medai was launched on March 7 at Valluvar Kottam in Chennai, months before Annamalai made his announcement. The timeline alone debunks the claim. Rajinikanth's PRO confirmed as much, stating clearly: "It is not a new organisation started now. It was founded in March. There are reports about the same even back then. There is even a post on Latha Madam's Instagram account."
What is Makkal Medai
Latha Rajinikanth has long been involved in public service through initiatives like Shree Dayaa Foundation, Bharat Seva and Bharat Market. Makkal Medai appears to be another step in that direction — a platform designed to help citizens address problems in their constituencies by bringing together people from all walks of life.
Also Read: K Annamalai quits BJP: New party motto to Tamil identity, everything he said
In her own words from a video that is now widely circulating: "People's Movement is a platform for people. Together with us, Citizens Platform is a body of work that brings together all those who want to work for this state. Senior citizens, IAS, IPS, government officials, teachers, postmen, army officials — whoever it is, you can give us your experience. We want to create local leaders who can work for the state."
The Rajinikanth shadow
Earlier, Annamalai revealed in his announcement that Rajinikanth had invited him to join his political outfit six years ago, before health reasons forced the superstar to step back from politics entirely. That episode, and its aftermath, has never quite left Tamil Nadu's political imagination. At a rare press interaction outside his Poes Garden residence recently, Rajinikanth was asked whether he would have become Chief Minister had he contested in 2001.
Also Read: TN CM Vijay's first Cabinet meeting unveils roadmap for 436 projects
He answered instantly: "100 per cent." But when asked if he felt he had missed that chance, the actor paused, looked away, and moved on to the next question in silence. It was as complete an answer as any he could have given. Latha Rajinikanth has spoken candidly in the past about her husband's unfulfilled political journey.
She expressed it was indeed saddening that Rajinikanth couldn't pursue his political career. Now, K Annamalai's statement about the invitation of Rajinikanth six years ago seems to have cast light on Latha's months-old initiative.
