Superstar Rajinikanth's recent reference to a 1971 rally in which Hindu deities were insulted by Tamil social reformer Periyar has sparked a major row in Tamil politics.  The 'Darbar' actor has ruled out apologizing for talking about the incident.  On the other hand, a number of politicians, cutting across party lines, are seeing Rajini's attitude as anti-Periyarist.  

On Thursday, AIADMK leader and Minister Sellur K Raju said that Periyar's social reform measures are the reason why Rajini's daughter could remarry after divorcing her first husband.  "The remarks made by Rajinikanth were not at all needed. A statement which was made 50 years ago need not be taken up today. Periyar was anti-caste crusader. He fought various other evils of society.  How could Rajinikanth's daughter get married for the second time? It's possible only because of Periyar's initiative. So it is not correct to belittle him," Raju said (as quoted by ANI).

On Wednesday, DMK leader MK Stalin said that Rajini should think before speaking.