Chennai, October 22: Tamil actor Rajinikanth kept his promise and gifted newly-built houses to 10 people in Tamil Nadu whose residences got damaged last year due to Cyclone Gaja. Members of Rajinikanth's Rajini Makkal Mandram (RMM) constructed the houses at a cost of Rs 18.5 lakh. The keys of houses were handed over to the beneficiaries at Rajinikanth's residence in Poes Garden today. Rajinikanth to Team Up with Viswasam Director Sivakumar for Thalaivar 168?.

Rajinikanth had in November 2018 promised to construct concrete houses for the Cyclone Gaja victims in Nagapattinam district, one of the worst affected areas. The cyclone had claimed 52 lives in the state. Members of Rajinikanth's RMM had provided relief materials worth Rs 50 lakh during the natural calamity. Launched in 2017, the RMM has been actively involved in various social welfare activities. Rajinikanth Retorts Amit Shah on 'One Nation, One Language' Push, Says 'Hindi or Any Language Shouldn't Be Imposed'.

Political observers believe with social welfare activities of the RMM, Rajinikanth is preparing the ground for his political entry. Meanwhile, the superstar again recieved an invitation to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Former union minister and BJP leader Pon Radhakrishnan appealed to Rajinikanth to join BJP.

"If Rajinikanth flaunts his political outfit, I welcome that. But, I want him to join BJP," Radhakrishnan was quoted as saying. While Rajinikanth didn't respond, the Congress reacted. "Rajinikanth won’t launch his political party. Even if he does that or joins BJP, Tamil Nadu is not going to benefit. Those who engage in spirituality won’t enter politics," Congress leader KS Alagiri said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2019 08:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).