Kamal Haasan launched his party in Madurai.
Superstar
Kamal Haasan has announced the name of his new political party at a massive function in Tamil Nadu's political capital Madurai, where he is sharing stage with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is chief guest for the evening. "My party's name is Makkal Neethi Meyam," said the 62-year-old Mr Haasan, to loud cheers from the crowds. Mr Haasan addressed a number of gatherings through the day as he set out on a yatra from the island. He addressed the fishermen community and said, "Different governments have made different promises and then when people ask why the promises are not met, they bring different problems in front of them." Mr Haasan also met Abdul Kalam's elder brother at his residence. In his address at Ramanathapuram, Mr Haasan said, "I am not a cinema star anymore. I am the lamp of all your house. Please protect me and keep me lit." He visited his hometown - Paramakudi, but did not address the meeting as scheduled. While announcing his political tour last month, the actor had said he too shared the vision of Mr Kalam who dreamt of a "good Tamil Nadu". By launching his tour from the residence of Mr Kalam, he would be moving forward towards that goal, he had said.
Mr Kejriwal had called on Mr Haasan in Chennai in September 2017, when the award-winning actor had started dropping hints of taking the political plunge.
Here are the Highlights of Kamal Haasan's party launch:
Don't ask me who is my idol, I like everyone, I like Obama and Chandrababu Naidu, I like Ambedkar and Periyar too: Kamal Haasan
To the question on "getting rid of violence against women", Haasan says, "I am the way. If we think of all women as mothers and sisters. We should give women equal rights if she is your lover."
To the question "If you become CM, will the freebie system still exist?" Haasan says, "I won't be giving any freebie (like alcohol for men, mopeds for women) but I will empower people to improve their living standards. We must also think of every woman as womenfolk from our families. We need to ensure equality exists and space is given."
Won't be giving freebies but improve living standards of people: Kamal Haasan"I can't do it (corruption) as a single person. It is a collective effort. We need to work towards it. We might have to do some small sacrifices. but, it is imperative that we do it."
We will adopt villages. We will transform them. We will change till you are satisfied. When we say this some people mock at us but we will show them: Kamal Haasan
This party does not end with me. I want to create a party that will last generations: Kamal HaasanI acted for so long. You paid to see me. But when I patiently looked at it, I understood that I did not give back to the people. The guilt was not something I could take. I decided, my dedication is for the people.
This party does not end with me. I want to create a party that will last generations.
I will not give Rs 6,000 for a vote. Because I don't have the money. But even if I did, I won't give it to you, says Haasan
People ask me what is my solution to the Cauvery issue. I've answered this before. The problem is there is so much politicisation of the issue..there needs to be a fair dialogue.
My political ideology is the same as all the good CMs: Kamal Haasan "Everyone is asking me my ideology. When Chandrababu Naidu also asked me, I told him I am a fan of him, he said don't think left or right. Think people.
After Chandrababu Naidu said this, I knew that I was in the right path. I was reluctant to see if something liek this possible, but Kejriwal ji proved it in whatever he said. I am not a leader here. I am a supporter too.
My political ideology is the same as all the good CMs. Good education. People who repeat politics in the name of religion should stop.
Today is the day of speaking. Tomorrow is action![]()
People of Tamil Nadu are ready to throw out DMK, AIADMK and bring Kamal Haasan into power: Arvind Kejriwal
Kamal Haasan is my real-life hero: Arvind KejriwalI have always been a great fan of Kamal Haasan as an actor, producer and a film personality. Today I stand here not because he is a great film actor but he is a real-life film hero.
He is not just honest. He has a great vision. I admire his courage the most. He has courage to speak again injustice and communal forces. Earlier I was a fan of Kamal as a film personal. Today I am fan of Kamal as a real-life hero.
I congratulate his term for this great political alternative. I congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu. People of Tamil Nadu were stuck with just two party all along.
"The fact that he thinks he is the one that Tamil Nadu needs to save the state is not true. He is hurriedly starting something like a film face-off. This is not something the people of Tamil Nadu will believe in. He can make headlines, but cannot head," said Tamilisai Soundararajan, BJP.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated Kamal Haasan via pre-recorded message on his party launch.
I am not a leader, I am among the people. You are the crowd of leaders. Memorise the name. We have a responsibility from now one. This is not a one day thing. It is going to be a way of life: Kamal Haasan
"You must be an example to the present day political system and I will be seeking your suggestion rather than giving you speeches."
"I have shown you a morsel of the government I can cook for people here. The people who have gathered here are people who have enraged by the corruption prevalent in the state," says Kamal Haasan
This is not a one day thing. This is a long term goal: Kamal Haasan
"The name of the party is Makkal Needhi Maiyam"- Make this noise once I announce the name. This is a party for the people. I am not a leader. The name of the party is Makkal Needhi Maiyam
- This is not a one day thing. This is a long term goal.
Kamal Haasan and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reach the venue. Have a one-on-one discussion backstage ahead of their addresses, according to Tamil news channel, Pudhiya Thalaimurai.
Hundreds of supporters gather at Madurai ahead of Kamal Haasan's arrival.
Kamal Haasan along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leave and will arrive at the public gathering shortly. The two leaders ride in a black convoy from a hotel where Mr Haasan is staying.
Kamal Haasan will arrive at the venue in Madurai and hoist the party flag. He along with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will address the gathering.
The stage is set for Kamal Haasan ahead of his address in Madurai.
People seem to be a little disappointed because they did not get enough time with Kamal Haasan because of his tight schedule.
Kamal Haasan is to receive Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at Madurai airport ahead of his party launch later in the evening.
Kamal Haasan drives past the meeting venue in his home town Paramakudi, takes supporters by surprise. Comes back to say "the big event is in Madurai. Can I have your permission to let me go there without waiting anymore."
Kamal Haasan arrives at his hometown Paramakudi.
"No Politics In Visiting Kalam's House," Says Kamal HaasanActor Kamal Haasan said there was "no politics" involved in his visit to the late APJ Abdul Kalam's residence in Rameshwaram today, or his proposed one to a school, which did not fructify as the administration denied him the permission, where the former president had studied.
Kamal Haasan In APJ Abdul Kalam's Hometown For Blockbuster Political Party LaunchSuperstar Kamal Haasan's hectic Wednesday morning, as he set off from Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram to formally begin his political career, included some strategic name-dropping. Delhi chief minster Arvind Kejriwal was joining him for the launch of his new party in Madurai, he said, and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu had phoned last night to say he is a fan and would have loved to attend but was unable to.
Kamal Haasan arrived at Ramanathapuram after which he will visit Paramakudi - his hometown.
"I am coming here after 45 years. A little has changed, but my people have not. I am all of your son. You all have seen me as a movie star so far, from now I want you to tel that I am not a cinema star. I am the lamp of all your house. Please protect me and keep me lit."
Kamal Haasan leaves to Madui from Rameshwaram after multiple stops. He will next address a gathering in his home town, Paramakudi in Ramanatham district where he spent his childhood. He went to primary school in Paramakudi.
Kamal Haasan pays tribute to Former President APJ Abdul Kalam at his memorial in Rameshwaram.
Kamal Haasan addressing a press meet:
- Mr Haasan met leaders of the fishemen association. "I want to get introduced to all you leaders. I wanted to introduce my press friends to you guys."
- "The Government has not thought of us in the last 4 years. The fishermen here are in deep trouble. The jails here are in a bad state. Thank you for listening to us, our fishemen friend," fishemen association leader says to kamal Haasan
- Consider my hug as a shawl that I would have put around you to felicitate you, says Mr Haasan
- Let the press be the joining force between these people and all of us. APJ Kalam came from this really small house, I am very happy that he is the guide. He is a true patriot. I wanted to go to his school, there was no politics in that. They can only block me from going there, they can't block me from learning what I want to learn.
- Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is coming to attend the eeting. Some others will also try to be present. Chandrababu Naidu called me last night. Everyone keeps asking me what my political inclinations are, I asked Chandrababu Naidu. He told me not to worry about that. He said the people's request will be the political inclination.
- "I don't see too many differences between films and politics. the both of them need the support of people just about equally, but the responsibility in politics is a lot bigger. Whatever money I have is the money of the public."
- "I chose February 21 to make this announcement because today is International Mother Language Day, hence I chose today."
- "I will take only the good from different political ideologies."
- "Namavar whioch means 'our man' that is what I want to be."
- "I am a great fan of Gandhi, this is the place he changed his attire."
Kamal Haasan arrives for the press conference at Rameshwaram. He is to be joined by local leaders.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal leaves from his Delhi residence to attend Kamal Haasan's party launch that will take place later in the day.
In Madurai and all along the route from Rameswaram to the temple town, there are posters that picturise Kamal Haasan in different political roles in which his fans and supporters would like to see him.
Kamal Haasan addresses fishermen community in Ganesh Mahal, Rameshwaram
- "Different governments have made different promises and then when people ask why the promises are not met, they bring different problems in front of them"
- "I will announce my party in the evening. I want all of you guys to come and join hands."
- "I will come again and I want to talk to you guys. I will take your questions. I will find answers. I want to fix a date soon. Let's fix a date."
- "I don't want to take your questions through post or press, I want to take them personally, upfront."
Kamal Haasan's School mate to NDTV:
It is up to Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan to shake hands or not. They are coming to politics to do good because we are in a problem. Like their films, their partnership could also be good.
He could be a school drop-out, but he has all the knowledge in the world.
Fans greet Kamal Haasan ahead of his arrival at the fishermen's meeting.
Scene outside APJ Abdul Kalam's residence ahead of Kamal Haasan's arrival there this morning.
Kamal Haasan kicked off his
yatra across Madurai with a tweet. Calls it "Simple beginnings"
Fishermen are waiting at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram, where Kamal Haasan will meet the community and interact with them.
At the house of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, where he met the leader's brother, the veteran actor had breakfast. Mr Haasan started his day with visit to Kalam House.
Traditional welcome for Kamal Haasan at the venue where the veteran actor will meet fishermen and interact with them before floating a new political party.
During his visit to Kalam House at Rameswaram, the actor briefly interacted with Kalam's non-agenarian brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar while being flanked by other close relatives of the former President.
Kamal Haasan is now headed to meet fishermen and talk to them. He will interact with the fishermen and listen to their concerns.
Kamal Hasaan reached 10 minutes earlier at the resident of former President APJ Abdul Kalam, where he met the leader's brother. He has now left the house of Mr Kalam in Rameswaram. Huge crowd gathered outside the residence.
Kamal Haasan's visit to the school in Rameswaram, where APJ Kalam studied, has been cancelled, reports news agency ANI.
Meanwhile, cricketer R Ashwin tweeted: "A day where another superstar actor from TN launches his political party this evening. The political landscape is set for a massive change? #KamalHaasan"
Kamal Haasan meets brother of former president APJ Abdul Kalam at his house in Rameswaram. The veteran actor sought his blessings as he is set to take plunge into politics. Later in the day he will announce his political party.
Huge crowd outside former President APJ Abdul Kalam's house as Kamal Haasan reaches.
Kamal Haasan reaches the house of former President APJ Abdul Kalam. Here he will be meeting Mr Kalam's brother as he embarks on his political journey.
In Madurai and all along the route from Rameswaram to the temple town, there are posters that picturise Kamal Haasan in different political roles in which his fans and supporters would like to see him.
Kamal Haasan's supporters raised slogans "Hail Varungala Muthalvere"(future chief minister) Hail Kamal Haasan" as he arrived in his native Ramanathapuram district in southern Tamil Nadu.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, who is set to launch his political party today, was given a rousing welcome by his supporters when he arrived in Rameswaram on Tuesday.