Citizenship law no threat to Muslims: Rajinikanth

Tamil superstar Rajinikanth on February 5, weighed in on the controversial citizenship amendment saying the act will not harm any Muslim.

The 69 year old also backed the National Population Register (NPR), saying the drive is "very, very essential," as he added that the Congress-led government had done it in the past.

"CAA is no threat to Muslims. If they face trouble I will be the first person to raise voice for them," he said while speaking to reporters in Chennai.

Rajinikanth also said that the central government has assured that Indians will have no issues in view of the citizenship act.

He also wondered how Muslims that chose to stay back in India following Partition, would be sent out of the country.

He alleged political parties were instigating people against CAA for their selfish interests and also blamed religious leaders for supporting protests against the law and dubbed it "very wrong."

Those who oppose the amended law have it discriminates against Muslims and violates the secular principles of the Constitution.

The government, on its part, has said that it will help minorities from the three Muslim-dominated countries to get citizenship as they fled to India because of religious persecution.

The superstar had expressed concern over the violence in various parts of the country over the citizenship act in December last year.

"Violence and rioting should not become a way to find a solution for any issue. I request the people of India to stay united and vigilant keeping in mind the nation's security and welfare", he had said in a tweet.