Actor Rajinikanth says he will not contest upcoming Lok Sabha elections

Actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday said that he will not contest the upcoming parliament election and added, his picture or party symbol should not be used for any election campaign or propaganda. 

 "I will not be contesting in the Lok Sabha elections. I don't support any political party. I also ask political parties to refrain from using my pictures or Rajini Makkal Mandram’s flag for election campaigns," the actor said in a statement.

Rajinikanth had announced his political entry on New Year’s Eve 2018 and was expected to announce the launch of his political party last year on December 12, his birthday but superstar said that he was in no hurry. 

“We don’t have any plan to launch the party and introduce the flag on my birthday. It will take some more time as we have to complete certain works and be ready,” Rajinikanth had said.