Haasan calls it ‘Centre for People’s Justice’

Madurai (TN), February 21 

Amid fanfare, with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in attendance, actor Kamal Haasan today launched his political party, christening it “Makkal Needhi Mayyam,” and unfurled its flag that symbolises the strength of unity.

“I am not your leader, I am your tool... this gathering is full of leaders,” he said moments before announcing the party’s name that roughly translates to “Centre for People’s Justice”. “This is a party made for you, for the people,” he said to thunderous applause. 

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The top actor told his supporters that they have a duty, reminding them that this was not a “one day event.”         “This is going to become a way of life for us, let us remember that.” He asked his followers to realise that they have a big responsibility and they had to be pioneers.

“I am not a leader to give advice. I am a worker to listen to your advice,” Haasan said. Besides Kejriwal, senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Somnath Bharti, farmers’ leader PR Pandian were among those who were on the dais for the launch event.

In his address, Kejriwal described Haasan as a real life hero who is honest, has a vision and for starting a new party as a political alternative. Lashing out at the DMK and AIADMK, he alleged that they were corrupt parties. “Now you can vote for a honest party for Kamal Haasan,” he said.

The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of his party with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect as the huge crowd roared its approval.

The flag in white background has six hands joining together with shades of red over three hands and rest with white along with a star in between surrounded by a star like background in black.

Colours black and white has a political significance in Tamil Nadu, which forms part of the flags of the two big parties of the state — AIADMK and DMK—and the shades are also seen as a pointer to the Dravidian ideology. Citing a Tamil proverb of ‘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).

 Clad in a white shirt and a black trousers, a smiling Haasan arrived on the stage showing the thumbs up sign to his fans who had arrived in large numbers to announce the party name.  His supporters waved banners sporting popular catch words from his movies like ‘Nammavarey,’ (Our man) and placards of ‘Nalai Namathey,’ (tommorow is ours) showing a smiling Haasan. 

Haasan arrived here from Rameswaram after visiting ex-President APJ Abdul Kalam’s house. — PTI