Actor Kamal Haasan plans to make a political debut early next year

Kamal Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan said he plans to make a political debut early next year following the unfortunate state of affairs in Tamil Nadu following the demise of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

Even though, the exact date of the launch of his party is unknown, Haasan said that he is talking to various people.

“I cannot commit a time but we are trying to launch (the new party) before New Year. I am talking to various people, taking advice from them. As there is no time limit, I cannot say,” said Haasan, while speaking exclusively to CNN-News18.

Haasan said that his party will not be forged on the basis of either religion or casteism as he is against both of them.

There is a unique similarity among south Indian states, he said, adding that so far no national political party has made a mark in the south.

He called himself a rationalist and steered clear of clear patriotic leanings. “I love my country but it starts from my home and then from my state. There is definitely a divide between North and South India. Delhi doesn’t understand Tamil Nadu, and vice-versa. Even if there is a positive move from either side, the other views it with suspicion. This is why no national party has made it [big] in Tamil Nadu,” Haasan said.
 
 
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In order to resolve this perceived divide between the north and the south, he recommends a dialogue between them.

Ruling out any chances of an alliance with Trinamool Congress’ Mamata Banerjee or a saffron party, Haasan said that his cinematic rival Rajnikanth is more suited for a saffron alliance. He also indicated that he is open to joining hands with Rajinikanth, subject to certain conditions, but for now he is planning to launch his ow political party.

Though some of his heroes are communists, he said he does not belong to any political ideology and his fight is against corruption. Haasan said, if he comes to power, his first priority would be to curb corruption.

“Although I am not a communist, I admire certain people who are. Some of my heroes are communists. The people of Tamil Nadu have witnessed the corruption of both DMK and AIADMK. My fight is against corruption.”

Speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Haasan said, “There has been no Achhe Din in Tamil Nadu. I can’t talk about other states but achhe din kab aayenge?”

Hitting out at the Bharatiya Janata Party’s beef politics, he said the government should provide food not a ‘menu card’.