Leading Tamil film actor Ajith Kumar on Monday categorically stated that he will not enter politics either “directly or indirectly” and appealed to his fans not to associate him with politics in any manner.

In a statement issued in Chennai, Ajith Kumar said that he has no interest in entering politics whatsoever. The statement comes against the backdrop of claims that some of his fans had joined the BJP on Sunday.

“My participation in politics is restricted to standing in line during elections to vote. I will never ask my fans to support a particular political party or urge them to vote for a particular political party. I will not do so in future as well,” he said.

Encouraging his fans to exercise their political affiliations in their individual capacity, he underlined, “I have my own likes and dislikes when it comes to politics. I have neither imposed my political views on anyone nor have I allowed anyone to impose theirs on mine. I have never liked my photographs or name to be associated with any political event.”

The actor pointed out that he has been careful not to make political statements either directly or in his films.

“I have made up my mind that being an actor in the film industry is my profession. I disbanded my fan clubs few years ago only for this. I have been very careful not to allow political affiliation on myself or my fan clubs. Even after I took this decision, there have been certain reports associating me or my fan clubs with political events,” he said. “With elections around the corner, such reports might make public think that I harbour political ambitions,” he pointed out.

He further advised his fans to concentrate on their student or professional lives.

“The only thing I expect is for students to concentrate on their studies or those have their own business or a job to do their duty properly, be a law abiding citizen, take care of health, forget differences and promote unity and be respectful towards others,” he said.

Reacting to the ‘social media wars’ after the release of his film ‘Viswasam’ along with actor Rajinikanth’s ‘Petta’, Ajith Kumar said, “I have never accepted derogatory comments made against certain actors or critics on social media. The world that is watching everything will not pardon such actions.”