Chennai: The Election Commission of India today allotted the ‘torch light’ symbol to Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). The actor-turned-politician tweeted to thank the poll body and said MNM will try to be the torch-bearer of a new era of politics.
MNM thanks the Election Commission for granting us the Battery Torch symbol for the forthcoming elections. So appropriate. @maiamofficial will endeavour to be the Torch-Bearer for a new era in TN and Indian politics,’ Kamal Haasan tweeted. MNM had approached the Election Commission two weeks ago for the symbol.
The poll panel on Saturday also directed political parties to desist from displaying photographs of defence personnel in advertisements or otherwise as part of their election propaganda or campaigning. The direction came after a complaint by the ministry of defence.
Kamal Haasan’s party has decided to fight solo in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls after finding it hard to seal an alliance with any party in Tamilnadu.
The AIADMK has been dismissive of Kamal’s political entry, while the DMK has avoided any criticism of him. But, both have not made any explicit overture to the actor for an electoral alliance.
It is nearly a year since the actor launched his MNM at a rally in Madurai which was attended by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. While his celluloid rival, Rajinikanth is yet to launch his party, Kamal has announced that the MNM is ready to contest all 39 constituencies in Tamilnadu the lone seat in neighbouring Puducherry Union Territory.