Chennai, March 16 Union Minister L Murugan on Monday criticized TVK leader Aadhav Arjuna for his comments about Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth and demanded an apology from him for attempting to damage the actor's reputation.
Noting that the general secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's comments about the top actor's decision not to enter politics were "highly condemnable," the Central Minister said that the people of Tamil Nadu would not accept Arjuna's comments, which were made to serve his own political agenda.
"Rajini is a hugely popular figure, and his decision has resonated with the people. I strongly condemn Aadhav Arjuna's remarks. I insist that Aadhav Arjuna apologize to superstar Rajinikanth," Murugan said in a post on the social media platform 'X.'
During a protest against the state government on March 12, Arjuna alleged that the DMK threatened Rajinikanth when he attempted to enter politics.
Arjuna maintained that he was not criticizing the actor but wanted to highlight that TVK founder Vijay had the courage to withstand such pressure.
However, his comments drew criticism from various quarters, including Rajini's fans and state minerals and mines minister S Regupathy, who said that the TVK was attempting to gain political advantage by spreading a "blatant lie."