In a State where voters have been ‘cultivated’ for decades with the largesse of politicians, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan promised no ‘quarter or scooter’, but a quality of life where people will be prosperous enough to fend for themselves.
And, with just that one line, he ensured that people would remember his newly launched political party ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam’ for long. Promising to run a party that would work for the people, and strive to get them justice, the actor unveiled the symbol this evening at Othakadai grounds in Madurai — interlocked hands in black and red against a white background. The hands, he said, represented the six southern States, including Puducherry, a Union Territory.
After a packed day that saw him travel from Rameswaram to Madurai, stopping en route at Paramakudi, where he grew up before the arc-lights beckoned, Kamal proved that he was not here to flirt with politics, but enter into a long-standing association with it. For a youth disillusioned by the kind of politics playing out in the State, his brand touches a chord, even if much of his talk is lost on ears unused to literary Tamizh.
The actor-politician hit all the right notes, beginning his journey at late president APJ Abdul Kalam’s house. Kamal also took a proactive approach to Tamizh, saying that people should be proud to speak in their language. Interestingly, all these years, while everyone protested the imposition of other languages, few spoke about the need to keep one’s mother tongue alive!
The actor met with fishermen, spoke about the Cauvery issue, and touched upon issues that have long been unpopular in political discussions. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who swept to power following a massive mandate for a political outfit that promised to rid governance of graft, was present at the event, while Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who Kamal met some months ago, took part in the event through a web telecast.
For a public used to seeing a consummate actor on screen, the past year (especially the period following the demise of AIADMK’s J Jayalalithaa) has seen him take on yet another avatar — that of a socially-conscious citizen who is willing to raise a war cry.
People have been waiting to see who would blink first — Kamal or Rajinikanth. For now, Kamal, the senior of the two in acting, has carved a political path too, ahead of Rajinikanth.
Coming from an industry where nepotism thrives, Kamal chooses to be different. “My party will not end with me, it will hold for three-four generations, that’s how it has been constructed. The baton will be handed over to the next runners. There will be no permanent leader in this party,” he said.
As to why there was a maiyam in the party name, Kamal explained: “Are you left or right, I am asked. That’s why there’s maiam (centre) in the name of the party.” Even though, he has taken the plunge, it looks like the activist in him will thrive. “We are now ready to blow the whistle on everything,” he said.
The grounds were bustling with people drawn by his charismatic star power. If the mood in the venue is anything to go by, it looks like the people are willing to explore other options before election time. Will Kamal prove as competent a leader as he is an actor? Only time will tell, but for now, the public can revel in speeches that don’t merely incite but are potent enough to trigger change.
(Photographs by Dani Charles, Sriram Narasimhan)
Read highlights of the day here:
Kamal Haasan Launches Party Makkal Needhi Maiam: ‘I Am Here To Sow The Seed For Tomorrow’
Watch the full speech here:
