AMN / Ramanathapuram
Hasan began his political sojourn from late President Dr.Abdul Kalaam’s house at
Ramanathapuramng. The 63-year-old award-winning actor has previously stated that his purpose of entering politics is to change the “status quo” in Tamil Nadu’s political scenario. His yatra, that began from Rameswaram, concluded at Madurai.
At a mammoth public meeting at Madurai this evening, the actor launched the Party ‘s flag.
“I was in your heart all this while. Now I want to be in all your homes. You had looked at me as a star all along. Now I request you to look at me as a lamp. Light me in all your homes,” he said, addressing a large gathering of people at Othakadai in Madurai.
Citing the Tamil proverb ‘Oru Soru’, which means a small example of a whole lot, he said the launch was just the first step for ‘makkal atchi’ (people’s rule).
Later, addressing his supporters Haasan said they have a duty and reminded them that this was not a “one day event”, but “a way of life.”
“I am not a leader to give advice. I am a worker to listen to your advice,” he said.
Haasan asked how much longer would the people wait and watch the injustice around them. “If we reduce corruption, all of us will get power in our homes. 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,” he said in an apparent reference to the recent RK Nagar by-election in which parties allegedly bribed voters.
“If you had voted for the right person, forget Rs 6,000, you people could have earned Rs 6 lakh in a year. Instead, you got Rs 6,000 for five years. Don’t let the robbery of the past continue,” he said.
“Last night, Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu asked me not to mind the left or right but just commit to action. Good and quality education must reach all sections of society. Games committed in the name of caste will have to be stopped. We will do it,” he said.
“People ask if I’m left or right. That is why I have named my party – centre (people justice centre).” “I’m 63 years old. I haven’t come to rule for 40 years. I have come to sow the seeds for the next generation. People poke fun of my age. These are people with low life expectancy,” Haasan charged.
Kamal Hasan, who has been critical of the ruling AIADMK government in the State, began to tweet his critical comments after the death of Late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa.