BIG: Subramanian Swamy extends support to Rajinikanth, says 'I will back him in Court'

Amidst chaos and staunch criticism levelled against Tamil superstar Rajinikanth by activists of Athi Tamizhar Peravai (ATP) as well as Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) on Monday, January 20, Rajya Sabha MP and former Union Cabinet Minister Subramanian Swamy came out in support of actor.

Read | Will t apologise for remark on Periyar rally: Rajinikanth

In light of ballooning tussle between Rajinikanth members of two organisations, Subramanian Swamy backed actor and said EVR in his 1971 rally made derogatory remarks against Ram and Sita. Calling it a 'fact' he mentioned late actor and author Cho Ramaswamy published content in his Thuglak magazine.

'I will back Rajinikanth in Court': Subramanian Swamy

statement which caused uproar was in reference to his address at 50th anniversary-cum-readers' connect event of Tamil Nadu Thuglak on January 14 in Chennai, where actor said, 

'In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which undressed ims of Lord Sri Ramachandramoorthy and Sita - with a garland of sandal-featured, and news outlet published it'. 

Read | 5 members of fringe outfit held for burning Rajinikanth's effigy

Activists from two organisations resorted to destructive means on Monday as y burned veteran actor's effigy, reportedly for his remarks on social reformer EV Ramasamy also fondly kwn as 'Periyar'. 

actor was later asked to tender an 'unconditional apology' as well after y filed police complaints against him on January 17, seeking action against him.

DVK claimed what Rajinikanth said was 'a blatant lie and that ims of Lord Ram and Sita "in nude" were t released by Periyar in rally, which was a part of a superstition eradication conference at Salem'. 

In a veiled attack, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) supremo MK Stalin commented on incident and stated, 'Friend Rajinikanth should think well before he speaks about Periyar. He is an actor and t a politician.'

Ahead of a massive protest planned by several pro-Periyar groups across Tamil Nadu, who have vociferously demanded apologies from Rajinikanth, actor refused to backtrack and has simply stated 'I will t apologise'.

Read | Rajinikanth says 'Murasoli with DMK, Thughlak readers intelligent', mouthpiece hits back

I will t apologise for what was written, I have proof: Rajinikanth

're is a lot of debate on an issue I spoke on- about an incident that happened in 1971. I did t make up what I said and I did t imagine it.' Holding out news clippings from magazine, he said, 'I have magazines here to show what I said was true. I am telling what I saw, what has been printed on paper, I will t apologise for that.'

With Rajinikanth refusing to back down and a slew of protests organised by regional parties, row is likely to intensify in days to come.

Read | Trouble for Rajinikanth? Pro-Tamil group files complaint at Coimbatore against actor