Superstar Rajnikanth inaugurated the statue of former Tamil Nadu chief minister MG Ramachandran at a university near Chennai of Monday. He is addressing the students there which will be followed by a question and answer round.

The program is being attended live by around 6000 people and the same number of people will watch it onscreen in an auditorium adjacent to the main gathering hall.

“The present government and politicians are asking why are actors leaving their makeup and coming to take over their jobs as politicians. I am 67 years now, since you are not doing your duty I am stepping in,” says Rajinikanth on his entry into politics.

Rajinikanth said he doesn't expect a grand welcome into the world of politics but doesn't deserve discouragement either. He termed politics as a way full of 'snakes', 'thorns', and difficulties.

He said he has learned a lot while he was close to M Karunanidhi and GK Moopanar. He is entering politics because, according to him, Tamil Nadu needs a 'leader' as M. Karunanidhi is ill and Jayalalithaa no more. He says he will fill that 'vacuum'.

After announcing his plans of entering politics, this is the first time the superstar is delivering a speech in a political avatar. It is speculated that he will reveal his political plans in the address. Last year, in December, he announced his political plans saying “political entry is definite”.

Rajnikanth was vocal about his plans to contest from all the constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the upcoming state assembly election. Currently, he has launched a website for people to register as a member of Rajini Mandram (forum) and a team is appointing office-bearers in all the districts of the state.

Earlier in the evening, he was welcomed by students and fans at the institute. The superstar arrived in an Audi and waved at fans through the car’s sunroof. Earlier in the day, controversy sparked when an activist named Traffic Ramaswamy threatened to file a complaint at Madras High Court regarding posters and banners featuring Rajnikanth citing that it violates the law.

"I think my fans have erected banners, disturbing free flow of public movement is violation of High Court orders. I request the fans not to indulge in such activities," said Rajinikanth.

Rajnikanth awarded actors and directors who have worked with MG Ramachandran.