No politics behind awarding Padma Vibhushan to Rajinikanth

COIMBATORE: Union Minister Prakash Javadekar today said there was no political motive behind awarding Padma Vibhushan to Tamil film star Rajinikanth and it was purely based on merit.

"It is purely on merit and as recognition for his acting and contribution to the film field. There is no politics in it," Javadekar told reporters here when asked whether there was any motive behind giving the award to the popular actor.

Assembly election in Tamil Nadu will be held later this year.

On bull taming sport Jallikkattu, the minister said the Supreme Court had only granted a stay and not quashed the central notification for holding the event and the government will put forward its case in court.

Javadekar, here on a two-day visit, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to address a public meeting here on February 2.

Javadekar also said he would be meeting captains of the industry and the agriculture sector tomorrow as part of pre-budget exercise.

To a question on large number of whales being washed ashore in Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu recently, the minister said this type of incidents occurred in various parts of the world and two committees, with research experts, have been formed to look into the issue.