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Latest update, 9:03 pm: Actor Kamal Haasan delivers an emotionally charged speech at the launch of his party ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam’, tells people if you had voted for good party without accepting money, Tamil Nadu would be a better state. Far from the sphere of the reel, actor Kamal Haasan will take his plunge into the real world of politics on Wednesday by addressing a string of meetings and unveiling his party flag in Madurai, marking the commencement of his new journey. The actor-turned-politician will address his first public meeting in the afternoon at Ramanathapuram near the iconic palace entrance. He will later leave for nearby Paramakudi and then Manamadurai and address meetings there before reaching Madurai in the evening. He is also set to spell out the name of his party. [caption id=“attachment_4360085” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan. PTI[/caption] In keeping with his announcement last month, Haasan will first visit the residence of former president APJ Abdul Kalam at Rameswaram on Wednesday and then the school where the late leader studied. Also, he would pay a visit to the memorial of Kalam at Pei Karumbu off Rameswaram apart from interacting with the fishermen community at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram. Announcing his political tour in his weekly column in Tamil weekly Ananda Vikatan on 18 January, the actor had said he too shared the vision of Kalam, who dreamt of a “good Tamil Nadu.” By launching his tour from the residence of Kalam, he would be moving forward towards that goal, he said, writing in his weekly column. On Wednesday, actor Seeman, who strongly opposes Rajinikanth on the basis of his non-Tamil origin, met Kamal at his home in Chennai. He told reporters that Kamal had expressed a wish to meet him but he felt that he should come to his residence because he was elder to him. Seeman also recalled that he also hailed from Ramanathapuram district. Meanwhile, in a letter to party cadre, Stalin wrote: “The DMK is like a banyan tree which has strong roots and branches. It cannot be shaken by anyone. Parties may come during a season but they are just like paper flowers which don’t have flagrance. They will wither soon.” Kamal called on DMK president M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence to seek his blessings. Stalin was also present then. With inputs from agencies
Kamal Haasan party launch updates: Proper dialogue in Cauvery issue can solve everything, says actor
Top actor Kamal Haasan will address a string of meetings and unveil his party flag at Madurai on 21 February, marking the commencement of his political journey
 "Kamal Haasan party launch updates: Proper dialogue in Cauvery issue can solve everything, says actor")
If you want an honest government, vote for Kamal Haasan: Arvind Kejriwal
"If you want schools, hospitals, roads and electricity; If you want an honest government, vote for Kamal Haasan!" - @ArvindKejriwal #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #maiam #isupportkamal pic.twitter.com/rdUWNeyFZd
— Makkal Needhi Maiam | மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம் (@maiamofficial) February 21, 2018
Be proud to talk in Tamil, doesn’t mean we reject any language: Haasan
About improving the condition of the Tamil language in the state, Haasan says,“Be proud and happy to talk in Tamil. Primary education should be there in the regional language. Doesn’t mean we reject any language.” He goes on to say he chose Rameshwaram and Abdul Kalam’s house as the starting point because he is a believer of justice. “This is my holy place. This is Kalam’s birthplace. That made me choose this place.“About Tamilisai Soundarrajan and other’s comments on Haasan being a GMO seed, plastic flower etc, Haasan says, “Should we keep answering these criticisms or just work.”
Won’t be giving freebies but improve living standards of people: Haasan
About corruption, Haasan says, “I can’t do it 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.” 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.”
There will never be permanent CM from this party, says Haasan
Haasan says,“I will be there till I breathe. This party will be like a relay. Once I’m done, the baton will be handed over to the next person. There will never be a permanent CM from this party if and when we are voted to power.” Answering the question whether Gandhi, Ambedkar, Periyar or Kamaraj is his role model, he says, “I am a rationalist. But there are people who believe in God. They believe in a lot of gods, be it Shiva, Muruga, Vishnu etc… Why can’t I have multiple role models? All the aforementioned have been my role models. Even Kejriwal, Naidu and even Obama are my guides.”
I’m a lamp who wishes to shine in your homes, says Haasan
Kamal Haasan says schools are being privatised… alcohol shops are being run by the government and this is not the right state of affairs. “In my party’s meetings, it won’t be just about me talking. It will be more about receiving questions from the people. I will try to answer everything. Even if i don’t know the answers, I’ll need some time to get back to you with the answers. All these years, I was in your hearts. Now, I wish to be in your homes. There was a time when you saw me as a star. That time is done. Now I’m like a lamp who wishes to shine in your homes. People have to help me continuously shine and not get extinguished in the wind of corruption.
This is a party for all of us: Haasan
“Till now, I acted. I was paid from the money you spent for the movies. All I did was just waving my hands at you whenever I saw you and saying statements. But now it is time to spend the rest of my life for giving back to the very people who gave me everything. Look at the functionaries of my party. This is not a party that should stop with me. This should go on for atleast the next three generations. This is a party for all of us,” says Haasan.
People ask me if I am left or right? That is why I kept the name ‘Maiam’, which means centre: Haasan
The leader of Makkal Needhi Maiam, a party with the people at it's core!
— Makkal Needhi Maiam | மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம் (@maiamofficial) February 21, 2018
Join us at https://t.co/s6zHqHUNdQ #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #maiam #isupportkamal pic.twitter.com/NNH99IeDgG
I am sowing seeds of change, says Haasan
Explaining the emblem on the flag, Haasan says, “It is the map of a new South India. The six hands are the six states in South India. The star in the centre represents the people. The people are the stars.” “Are you left or right?” – That’s why we have the word ‘Centre’ in the party. We will take the goodness from all sides. “I am 63 years old. I don’t have the idea of ruling for the next 40 years. I am searching for a leader in this very group. I am just sowing the seed for a change,” says Haasan.
Caste and religion games must be stopped, says Haasan
People ask about my ideology, here it is-good quality education must reach all,caste and religious games played on us must be stopped.corruption has to be eradicated: #KamalHaasan #MakkalNeedhiMaiam pic.twitter.com/x7vo7mT4VR
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018
A new era is beginning in Tamil Nadu
“Unemployed educated youngsters can become a thing of the past. We are adopting eight villages in the state and trying to do welfare measures. If you have issues with our functioning, let us know. We are not arrogant people. This is a combined effort, " says Haasan. A new era is beginning in Tamil Nadu. Mentioning the Cauvery issue, Haasan says, “There is no point instigating and blaming the other state. If there is a proper dialogue between the powers, then a solution can be always found.”
“If you had voted for good party without accepting money, TN would be a better state”
Hassan enlists his party ideologies, saying,“Good and quality education that reaches all sections of people. Enough of games that were played on the back of religion and caste.” “Even the people are equally responsible for the state that we are in. I will never pay money for votes. I don’t have the money, but even if I do,I will not give it to you for votes. I will use it for your welfare but never for votes,” says Haasan. If you had voted for the good parties without accepting money, Tamil Nadu would have been in a better state, says Haasan.
Many have questioned what my party is about, says Haasan
Kamal Haasan says, “Chandrababu Naidu asked, ‘What is your party?’ He is one of my political heroes. I told him that despite the differences in political ideology, I consider him one of my poltiical heroes and Naidu reiterated my very own thought by saying that we might follow different ‘isms’ but the common thread is striving to provide welfare of the people.The people should be the one dictating terms. It shouldn’t be one particular person.”
“Today is the time to talk.Tomorrow is the time to execute”: Haasan
Kamal Haasan addresses the crowd saying, “Even while doing welfare through our ‘Narpani Mandrams’ , we faced a lot of obstacles from many parties. Let’s not talk about those bygones, but let’s never forget them. How long should we wait for justice to be served? How long should we remain mute spectators? Today is the time to talk. Tomorrow is the time to work.”
People of Delhi rejected both BJP and Congress and gave us 67 seats: Arvind Kejriwal
People of Delhi rejected both BJP and Congress and gave us 67 seats, the kind of response I am seeing here I am sure people of Tamil Nadu will break record of people of Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal in Madurai #KamalPartyLaunch #MakkalNeethiMaiyam pic.twitter.com/BtTev10ajb
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018
Kejriwal draws parallel between MNM and AAP
Kejriwal reminisces the time when people of Delhi chose AAP over Congress and BJP, two corrupt parties. Saying that his party has been an honest government, he goes onto say that there no dearth of politics but is a dearth of good intentions in the country, says Kejriwal. People of Delhi started the trend to vote for non-corrupt parties and now it is Tamil Nadu’s turn, he adds.
Kamal Haasan is a real-life hero, says Arvind Kejriwal
“I’m here not because he is a great film actor but because he is real life hero. He is not only honest, he has a great vision. I admire his courage the most. He has the courage to speak up and to fight against the communal forces in this country. Earlier the state was divided into two corrupt parties DMK and AIADMK, now the people of Tamil Nadu will vote for an honest party,” says Arvind Kejriwal
MNM’s official twitter handle shows Kejriwal congratulating Haasan
Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal joins us for the launch of our party. #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #maiam #isupportkamal pic.twitter.com/SwqstCFXy3
— Makkal Needhi Maiam | மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம் (@maiamofficial) February 21, 2018
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan congratulates Haasan
#Madurai: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan congratulates Kamal Haasan via pre-recorded message on his party launch. #KamalPartyLaunch pic.twitter.com/rqycS6Iz4f
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018
Haasan’s daughter Shruti tweets a photo taken before the launch
— shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018
Actor Kamal Haasan’s daughter Shruti tweets in support
1/1 Wishing my dear father all the success on his first step of a million more toward change and political reform - to quote your favourite mahatma Gandhi “be the change you wish to see in the world “ I’m certain your determination and perseverance toward truth and justice cont’d
— shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018
“This is a revolution, I welcome Arvind Kejriwal,” says Haasan
“This is a revolution, I welcome Arvind Kejriwal,” Haasan says and tells people,“You are the crowd of leaders. Memorise the name. We have a responsibilty from now one. This is not a one day thing. It is going to be a way of life.”
Kamal Haasan launches his party website and FB page
Along with the launch of his party, Kamal Haasan also launches his website www.maiam.com. A prosperous Tamil Nadu is my vision, says the website. The colours of the party flag open the doors for communistic interpretations.
Kamal Haasan is yet to say what his party stands for
Kamal Haasan is yet to say what his party stands for and what should they be following. Before the launch, he had expressed confidence that he would succeed with his Dravidian brand of politics, as opposed to the other superstar-turned-politician Rajinikanth, who plans to follow a spiritual brand of politics.- News 18
People who have gathered here are enraged by corruption: Haasan
“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.
Haasan refused gifts like shawls before launch of party
Kamal Haasan had said even before the start of the party that no shawls or other items should be gifted. “The chairs present on the stage should be of the same type and stature and there should be no special seating for anyone on stage. All should be uniform,” says his supporter.
Flag of Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam
The newly founded MAKKAL NEEDHI MAIAM is your party. It’s here to stay, and to make the change we all aspire for. Guide us to serve you. #maiam #makkalneedhimaiam
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 21, 2018
official website: https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk
fb: https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf
twitter: https://t.co/J9ywXrunOb pic.twitter.com/Xza62w4DcC
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP Tamil Nadu in-charge Somnath Bharti at the launch
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP Tamil Nadu incharge Somnath Bharti at the launch of Kamal Haasan's political party in Madurai. #KamalPartyLaunch pic.twitter.com/i5U9OFHnMq
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018
I will be seeking your political advice, Haasan tells public
“You must be an example to the present day political system and I will be seeking your suggestion rather than giving you speeches,” Kamal Haasan tells the people.
My party's name is 'Makkal Neethi Maiyyam': Kamal Haasan pic.twitter.com/LqEjj7YMAN
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018
Name of party is ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam’
Kamal Haasan tells the cheering crowd,“This is your party. A party for the people. I am just your tool, not your leader. This is a crowd filled with leaders.The name of this party is. . . ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam’. I am not a leader who will give advice to the followers, I am a follower who asks for advice.”
One lakh fans await arrival of ‘Nammavar’ Haasan
The actor and Arvind Kejriwal had gone to a hotel where Haasan was staying after leaving the airport. After leaving the hotel they headed to Othakadai ground in the same black convoy. Thousands await the arrival of the superstar turned politician.
Fans lining up to see reel-life hero, but hard yards lie ahead
“If Kamal thinks the people will fall for this rather well-organised, well-choreographed event, hook, line and sinker, he is mistaken. The Tamil Nadu voter of 2018, thanks to the proliferation of quality debates on Tamil TV news channels and social media, is far more discerning than the generation that blindly voted for an MGR, bowled over by his scripted do-gooder act on celluloid. Reel was deemed to be real four decades ago, but today the perceptive voter knows to separate the wheat from the chaff.” Read more here.
Visuals from Madurai’s Othakadai ground where thousands wait for ‘Nammavar’ Haasan
#KamalHaasan to launch political party later today, visuals from the rally venue in Madurai pic.twitter.com/A4PFJ9Vjd4
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018
‘His behaviour is still that of an actor, not of a politician’, says AIADMK’s KC Palanisamy
AIADMK leader KC Palanisamy tells India Today that he still has the adulation of a star and actor but he has to prove his mettle as a politician.
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