Chennai, May 28: Actor-politician Rajinikanth, who did not enter into the Lok Sabha polls fray, is set to attend the swearing-in of Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi on May 30. Even as the southern superstar is all praise for Modi, he also apparently sympathised with Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who is likely to step down from the party's helm.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Rajinikanth said the country needs a solid government, as well as a strong Opposition. Instead of quitting, Gandhi should remain firm and work towards a turnaround for the Congress, the 68-year-old political entrant said. Rajinikanth Wishes Stalin on Thumping LS Wins in Tamil Nadu.

"He (Rahul Gandhi) should not resign. He should prove he can do it. In democracy the opposition should also be strong," he said.

On Modi, Rajinikanth said the voters of India have given him a clear cut mandate to rule for the next five years. The results of Lok Sabha elections 2019 prove that he is currently the most popular leader across the nation, he added.

"This victory is a victory for Modi. He is a charismatic leader. In India after JL Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi he is now a charismatic leader. I will be going for the swearing in ceremony of Narendra Modi ji," he said.

Rajinikanth, who is yet to officially unveil his party, has announced that his outfit would be entering the electoral fray in 2021 assembly elections. His party had neither contested the general elections nor the assembly bypolls.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 28, 2019 01:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).