Kamal Haasan party launch updates: Proper dialogue in Cauvery issue can solve everything, says actor

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!
Join us at https://t.co/s6zHqHUNdQ #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #maiam #isupportkamal pic.twitter.com/NNH99IeDgG

— Makkal Needhi Maiam | மக்கள் நீதி மய்யம் (@maiamofficial) February 21, 2018

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

pic.twitter.com/BRuEaaBev5

— 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

After Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sends video message wishing Haasan

“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
official website: https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk
fb: https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf
twitter: https://t.co/J9ywXrunOb pic.twitter.com/Xza62w4DcC

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 21, 2018

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.”

I am not your Thalaivar, I am one amongst you, says Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan arrives on stage, unfurls political flag

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.

Kamal Haasan and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal en route to Othakadai ground

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrives in Madurai

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.

Thousands gather to receive Kamal Haasan in Madurai

Kamal Haasan to launch his party shortly

Madurai has always been a preferred destination for politicians

Considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, former chief minister MG Ramachandran always fought elections in and around Madurai. Actor Vijaykanth also launched his party there in 2005.Haasan’s hometown Paramakudi was originally a part of Madurai till other districts were carved out of it for improved administration. Politicians have always considered Madurai important and until they have a hold on it, they are rarely considered powerful.

Is Haasan another Kejriwal in the making?

Kamal Haasan is promising a state free of corruption, however, it isn’t the first time that a political leader has promised something like this and failed to deliver. Earlier, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also promised a corruption-free government but failed to deliver any of it. – CNN-News 18

Actor is en route to Madurai; distance to be covered in 2 hours

Tamil Nadu BJP leader says Kamal may have “started party to compete against someone”

Across Tamil Nadu, several flags in white with Tamil Nadu map in black, bear the tag line “Naalai Namadhe” meaning “Tomorrow is Ours” especially in Rameswaram. Bharatiya Janata Party’s Tamil Nadu unit leader Tamilisai Soundararajan told News 18 reporters that Kamal may have “started a political party to compete against someone”.- News 18

Kamal Haasan heads to Madurai for ‘big event’, will receive Arvind Kejriwal at airport

Actor drives past hometown, tells people will return later

Amid expectations of people in Paramakudi, Haasan drives past and says he has to head to Madurai for the big event. People are clearly disappointed as they realise that actor never got out of his car or interacted with anyone. – NDTV

LED screen falls at Haasan’s launch venue, none injured

A giant LED screen erected at the venue, where actor Kamal Haasan is scheduled to launch his political party here, collapsed due to heavy winds on Wednesday, police said. However, no one was injured, they said. The incident occurred hours before Haasan is to unveil the name and flag of his political party. Read more here – PTI

Kamal Haasan reaches his hometown Paramakudi

Fishermen were disappointed at Haasan’s limited interaction

Many fishermen thought the actor would be there for an hour an half to listen to their issues but Haasan barely spent seven minutes. At Paramakudi, his hometown, the actor was supposed to address the public but he simply told people from the car that he would be back at a later date. – NDTV

Kamal Haasan says no politics involved in visiting APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial

Actor Kamal Haasan, who was upset at not being allowed admission into Kalam’s school by the administration, said that no one can stop him from learning and there was no politics involved in his plan to visit the memorial and the school.Recalling the lyrics of a song from one of his films, Kamal Haasan said he was prepared to learn if required “by breaking barriers”.  – CNN-News 18

Kamal Haasan arrives in Ramanathapuram, reports NDTV

AIADMK calls Haasan a ‘genetically modified seed’, says he has no leadership skills

Ahead of the actor’s political party launch, AIADMK minister D Jayakumar called him a “genetically modified seed” and said he had no leadership skills, reported  India Today . “I agree with MK Stalin what he refered these flim stars are like paper flowers and never can blossom,” he said.

Not much political space for Haasan’s party in Tamil Nadu: Congress leader Veerappa Moily

​

Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that veteran actor Kamal Haasan’s party in Tamil Nadu does not have much political space to grow and sees its prospects on its own steam “very marginal”.

“Unless they (Kamal Haasan’s party) have a regional agenda of their own which is better than DMK and AIADMK, what space they will occupy? He (Kamal Haasan) must have thought AIADMK will collapse, and he can occupy that space, I don’t think that is happening,” the former Karnataka chief minister said. He said, the Congress will be “very strongly” with DMK in Tamil Nadu, adding his party would continue to strive to strengthen its base in the state, even while aligning with the DMK for the present.

–PTI

WATCH: Haasan pays tribute at Kalam’s memorial in Rameswaram

#BREAKING -- @ikamalhaasan honours former President APJ Abdul Kalam at his memorial #NetaKamal | @nimumurali with more details pic.twitter.com/6EEQ7erIFe

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 21, 2018

Visuals of Haasan at the Kalam memorial

Kamal Haasan visits Kalam Memorial in Ramanathapuram in #TamilNadu. pic.twitter.com/nWOOgexDPj

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Recap: Actor earlier met Rajinikanth, DMK chief M Karunanidhi

Hours after meeting Rajinikanth, Kamal Haasan on Sunday met DMK chief M Karunanidhi and DMK working president MK Stalin.  Haasan called on Rajinikanth at his Chennai residence just days after he ruled out an alliance with the actor’s political party. He told reporters it was a “friendly meeting”. Both actors have announced their decision to take the plunge into  politics in Tamil Nadu.

Cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin takes to Twitter to express his views

A day where another superstar actor from TN launches his political party this evening. The political landscape is set for a massive change? #KamalHaasan

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) February 21, 2018

Kamal Haasan’s political debut, like the opening of big films, will be keenly watched

Being an actor, Kamal knows that like the opening of a big-hero film, his political debut will also be keenly watched for the kind of crowds he attracts. His political managers in charge of crowd control will try to make it look big, because future alliances and combinations are built on it.

Kamal Haasan will address gathering in his hometown Paramakudi next

The actor, set to launch his political party today, visited APJ Abdul Kalam’s memorial on Tuesday. He will visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district and address a gathering there.

Kamal Haasan emails his fans

According to  India Today , actor Kamal Haasan sent an email to his fans saying that the time to stop complaining is over. He also added that as his first step in politics, he will adopt eight villages and work for their development. He also urged his fans to send in suggestions for the same.

I am a great fan of Mahatma Gandhi: Kamal Haasan

#NetaKamal -- I am a great fan of Mahatma Gandhi: @ikamalhaasan

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/VxKNtA0j5o pic.twitter.com/mg7UaIw59D

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 21, 2018

Haasan chose 21 February to launch party as it is International Mother Language Day

‘Don’t see much difference between films and politics’

“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,” said Kamal Haasan in Rameswaram, according to  NDTV .

Kamal Haasan to visit Kalam’s memorial next

‘Serving people is my priority’

Addressing the media, Kamal Haasan said, “My political journey begins. Serving people is my priority. I live in people’s hearts,” he said while adding that APJ Abdul Kalam was an inspiration.

WATCH: Kamal Haasan at the press meet in Rameswaram

#LIVE -- @ikamalhaasan briefs media in Rameswaram. #NetaKamal

Get all the #LIVE updates here: https://t.co/eUvGFERp8I pic.twitter.com/Q6qbi0m4nr

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 21, 2018

Kamal has taken our problems into his hands, Centre not taking care of us, says fisherman at press meet

“Kamal is an actor par excellence. He has now taken our problems into his hands. The Centre is not taking notice of us. The Sri Lankan navy has been capturing our fishing boats. He (Kamal) is curious and concerned about us. He is our “fisher-friend”. It has come to a situation where we can’t go and fish. If caught, we get two years of jail and pay a fine of up to Rs 2 crore. Such a thing will never exist in any democratic country in the world. Our livelihood is being taken away from us. Many years they’ve been telling us they’ll do something. We begged Sushma Swaraj to solve our problem. Her only solution was don’t go to international waters and fish there. Kamal Haasan is our life boat. I hope he can help us. We don’t belong to any political party, we are just fisherfolk,” said a fisherman at the press meet in Rameswaram.

‘I didn’t come to get fishermen to join me, I came to join them’: Kamal Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan brought fishermen to the press meet at Rameswaram and said that since he couldn’t speak to them properly at Ganesh Mahal due to media presence, he will speak to them separately again. “We will talk separately again. I will come again, says Haasan to fishermen. Thank you very much for coming here and encouraging me,” he said to the fishermen. 

“I didn’t come to get them (fishermen) to join me, I came to join them. I don’t want shawls to be draped around me. I am your shawl, I am your protection,” he added.

Kamal Haasan to address media shortly

Kerala, Bihar CM were also invited to attend party launch

As per  The Indian Express , Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and his Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar were invited to attend Kamal Haasan’s party launch but are unable to come for it. Instead, they sent video messages.

Kamal Haasan’s hometown Paramakudi wears a deserted look on eve of his visit

Actor Kamal Haasan is set to visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district in Tamil Nadu ahead of his political party launch on Tuesday. However, according to  The Times Of India , the town wore a deserted look ahead of the actor’s visit. Except a few hoardings, posters and a makeshift stage, there is not much “festivity on display”.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves his leaves residence to attend Haasan’s party launch in Madurai

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wishes Kamal Haasan on his party launch

All the best to @ikamalhaasan who has finally taken the plunge into TN politics. No doubt he is doing it with intention of improving public life in TN, which desperately needs something far better than what DMK, ADMK, Cong & BJP have to offer. He will need expert advice on policy

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) February 21, 2018

Visuals of Kamal Haasan at APJ Abdul Kalam’s house earlier today

[IN PICS] @ikamalhaasan has started his political journey from former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's residence in Rameswaram. #NetaKamal

Get all the #LIVE updates from the big day here: https://t.co/eUvGFERp8I pic.twitter.com/EMa8mBKBM3

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 21, 2018

WATCH: Kamal Haasan speaks to fishing community

#BREAKING -- @ikamalhaasan interacts with fishermen community in Rameswaram #NetaKamal

LIVE UPDATES: https://t.co/eUvGFF900g pic.twitter.com/yOqUhXZ0qB

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 21, 2018

Kamal Haasan to address media at Hyatt before leaving for Kalam’s memorial

Visual of Kamal Haasan addressing fishermen in Rameswaram

#TamilNadu: Kamal Haasan interacts with fishermen community in Rameswaram pic.twitter.com/5nLDfVmvTK

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

‘Different governments have made different promises’

Speaking to the fishermen community in Rameswaram at Ganesh Mahal, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan 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,” reported  NDTV .

‘Will support fishermen community’

“I will be there, will support the community. There is a need to re-discuss international treaties. Your questions cannot be answered with violence,” says Kamal Haasan as he addresses fishermen in Rameswaram.

Recap: Haasan confident his brand of Dravidian politics will succeed

“You will know when I make it a success,” he said, when asked about the presence of Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu and how he could succeed with the same ideology.

The actor has time and again expressed his appreciation of the Dravidian ideology. Last month, he had batted for unity among Southern states under the ‘Dravidian’ tag to leverage ties with the Centre. “It (Dravidian) is our identity, and it will give the southern states a leverage with the Centre,” the actor had said.

Kamal Haasan addresses fishermen in Rameswaram

Speaking to fishermen, Kamal Haasan said, “Fishing is one of the most important livelihood options in Tamil Nadu, That’s why I have come to visit you. I want to understand your issues and take it forward.”

Greatness can come from simplicity, tweets Kamal Haasan

Greatness can come from simple beginnings. Actually it will come only from simplicity. Glad to start my journey from a great man’s simple abode. #maiam

— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 21, 2018

Tamil Nadu education department’s decision to deny Haasan permission to visit Kalam’s school is right

The decision of the school education deptt to deny permission to speak to students at #Kalam's school is not wrong. A school cannot be allowed to be used as a vehicle to promote a newbie neta.

— T S Sudhir (@Iamtssudhir) February 21, 2018

Haasan spoke about development politics, says Sheikh Dawood, APJ Abdul Kalam’s grandson

Speaking to the media, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam’s grandson, Sheikh Dawood said during his visit to the former president of India’s house in Rameswaram, actor Kamal Haasan said he shared Kalam’s vision. “He said he shares Kalam’s vision to talk about development politics

Haasan meets with APJ Abdul Kalam’s family

Earlier on Tuesday, the actor briefly interacted with Kalam’s nonagenarian brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar while being flanked by other close relatives of the former president in Rameswaram.

‘Kamal is Kalam’: Posters across Madurai project Haasan as the next APJ Abdul Kalam

Posters plastered across the streets of Madurai and Rameswaram show actor Kamal Haasan emulating iconic leaders including former president of India APJ Abdul Kalam. 

He is shown next to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, and other iconic leaders including rationalist leader Periyar and BR Ambedkar, reported  NDTV . The report further states Haasan is shown as the second Kalam in some posters.

Kamal Haasan to meet fishermen at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram

‘Greatness can come from simplest of houses, and this is one of them’: Kamal Haasan after visiting Kalam’s house

Greatness can come from the simplest of houses and this is one of them. I am touched: Kamal Haasan after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house & meeting his brother & sister-in-law in Rameswaram #TamilNadu pic.twitter.com/QDxsIGDenK

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Arvind Kejriwal to attend Kamal Haasan’s party launch in Madurai

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal will be attending actor Kamal Haasan’s party launch in Madurai, reported  The Hindu . 

Kejriwal had earlier met Haasan in September 2017 when the actor was hinting at pursuing a political career.

Recap: MK Stalin takes dig at Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth, likens them to “glamorous paper flowers”

Taking a veiled dig once again at top actors Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan for their political ambitions, DMK working president MK Stalin likened them to ‘glamorous paper flowers’ which do not spread fragrance.

The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, in a letter to party cadres said though “such flowers may bloom, they do not spread fragrance,” which is seen as an indication that the duo could not succeed and shine in politics though they could enter the fray.

Visuals of Haasan visiting APJ Abdul Kalam’s house

Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/fp10vi4atL

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Kamal Haasan is trying to convey he will emulate APJ Abdul Kalam

Before he announces his political party and articulates its ideology, Kamal will head east to Rameswaram, the birthplace of the former President of India. This is also where Kalam was laid to rest. What connects Kalam and Kamal is that the actor grew up in neighbouring Paramkudi in Ramanathapuram district while Kalam did his schooling in Ramanathapuram town. Apart from the similar-sounding names, Kamal Haasan wants to convey that his ideas for the nation and Tamil Nadu are from Kalam’s school of thought. The posters brag that the dreams and aspirations of Kalam will be fulfilled by Kamal. His supporters expect Kamal to come up with a Kalamism, when he addresses the gathering on Wednesday evening.

Kamal Haasan’s schedule for today:

·   7:45 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam’s house

·   8:15 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam’s school

·   8:50 am: Arrive at Ganesh Mahal to meet the fishermen

·   11:10 am: Arrive at APJ Kalam’s memorial

·   11:20 am: Leave for APJ Kalam’s memorial towards Madurai

·   12:30 pm: Public meeting at Ramanathapuram palace

·   2:30 pm: Paramakudi Public meeting

·   3 pm: Manamadurai public meeting

·   5 pm: Arrive at Othakadai ground in Madurai

·   6 pm: Political party flag hoisting

·   6:30 pm: Public meeting

·   8:10 pm to 9 pm: Nammavar’s speech

Tamil Nadu govt denied permission to Kamal Haasan to visit APJ Abdul Kalam’s school

State government denied permission to Kamal Haasan to visit A. P. J. Abdul Kalam school | Ground report by @NairShilpa1308 #KamalBlooms pic.twitter.com/pKoxqcdtg9

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) February 21, 2018

Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam’s house in Rameswaram

Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/m8NxR8V8he

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Posters of Kamal Haasan’s face photoshopped as iconic leaders APJ Abdul Kalam, BR Ambedkar

According to NDTV, several posters could be seen with actor Kamal Haasan projected as leaders such as APJ Abdul Kalam and BR Ambedkar.

Kamal Haasan’s visit to school where APJ Abdul Kalam studied, cancelled

Kamal Haasan's visit to the school in Rameswaram, where APJ Kalam studied, has been cancelled. #TamilNadu

— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam’s house in Rameswaram

#BREAKING -- Superstar-turned-Neta @ikamalhaasan to launch his party today. #NetaKamal visits APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram; fans have gathered outside the residence to catch a glimpse of Haasan | @nimumurali reports from ground pic.twitter.com/OzmXhsfZsu

— News18 (@CNNnews18) February 21, 2018

Kamal Haasan to launch his political party today

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.