Chennai: Days after announcing that he will not contest in the polls, actor-turned-politician Rajinikanth on Sunday took to social media to extend best wishes to Kamal Haasan and his political party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, ahead of the general elections. In his reply, Kamla wrote, “Thanks my 40 years old friend. If good people stand with us, 40 (40 seats) is easy, Tomorrow is ours”.
This let loose speculation that Rajinikanth was hinting at supporting Makkal Needhi Maiam. However, quick to deny the report was Kamal Haasan. Addressing reporters at Thoothukudi, Kamal Haasan, said, “He is my good friend for over 40 years. He just extended his best wishes for us. This should not be taken as his support for us. Rajinikanth has already made his stand clear on the Lok Sabha polls”.
A few days ago, Rajinikanth issued a statement. He said, “My party has no support in the upcoming parliamentary election to any parties. So, no one should use my photo or flags in the name of Rajini Makkal Mandram and Rajini Fan Club should be used to support or campaign for any party.” He asked the people to vote for a party which will form a strong government at the Centre and will work towards solving Tamilnadus water problem.
DENIAL
Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan has denied that his outfit is BJPs ‘B team’ and asserted that the party was being targeted as it was growing in stature. Addressing a party rally on Sunday in Tirunelveli, Kamal Haasan, without directly naming any outfit, said he was being targeted as his party was growing in stature. He said, “I am not a B team for anyone, this is Tamilnadu’s A team.” Days ago, the DMK organ Murasoli, had alleged that he was accusing it of corruption due to BJP’s pressure.
Attacking the grand alliance of the opposition parties, Kamal said the so-called Mahagatbandhan would jump on to the winning side after the Lok Sabha poll outcome if the opposite camp won. During such times, only his party would stand upright – without giving room for horse-trading – for the Tamilnadu people, he said.
INVITES APPLICATIONS
MNM chief Kamal Haasan today said applications are invited from aspiring candidates to contest in 40 seats (39 in Tamilnadu and one on Pudhucherry) in the Lok Sabha polls. He said those interested to serve the people can apply and they would be selected not by him but by the people. He also said no decision on forging alliance has been taken by the MNM.
POLICY AND PRINCIPLE
Kamal Haasan released a broad outline of his partys goals at a public meeting Sunday. The goals include ensuring peoples welfare, reclaiming the dignity of Tamil politics, removing casteism and irregularities in government machinery, promoting secularism, aiming for international standards in education, improving water availability and preserving the land, among others.