Kamal Haasan party launch updates: Proper dialogue in Cauvery issue can solve everything, says actor

If you want an honest government, vote for Kamal Haasan: Arvind Kejriwal

Be proud to talk in Tamil, doesn't mean we reject any language: Haasan

About improving the condition of the Tamil language in the state, Haasan says,"Be proud and happy to talk in Tamil. Primary education should be there in the regional language. Doesn't mean we reject any language." He goes on to say he chose Rameshwaram and Abdul Kalam's house as the starting point because he is a believer of justice. "This is my holy place. This is Kalam's birthplace. That made me choose this place."About Tamilisai Soundarrajan and other's comments on Haasan being a GMO seed, plastic flower etc, Haasan says, "Should we keep answering these criticisms or just work."

Won't be giving freebies but improve living standards of people: Haasan

About corruption, Haasan says, "I can't do it as a single person. It is a collective effort. We need to work towards it. We might have to do some small sacrifices. but, it is imperative that we do it." To the question "If you become CM, will the freebie system still exist?" Haasan says, "I won't be giving any freebie (like alcohol for men, mopeds for women) but I will empower people to improve their living standards. We must also think of every woman as womenfolk from our families. We need to ensure equality exists and space is given." 

There will never be permanent CM from this party, says Haasan

Haasan says,"I will be there till I breathe. This party will be like a relay. Once I'm done, the baton will be handed over to the next person. There will never be a permanent CM from this party if and when we are voted to power." Answering the question whether Gandhi, Ambedkar, Periyar or Kamaraj is his role model, he says, "I am a rationalist. But there are people who believe in God. They believe in a lot of gods, be it Shiva, Muruga, Vishnu etc... Why can't I have multiple role models? All the aforementioned have been my role models. Even Kejriwal, Naidu and even Obama are my guides."

I'm a lamp who wishes to shine in your homes, says Haasan

Kamal Haasan says schools are being privatised... alcohol shops are being run by the government and this is not the right state of affairs. "In my party's meetings, it won't be just about me talking. It will be more about receiving questions from the people. I will try to answer everything. Even if i don't know the answers, I'll need some time to get back to you with the answers. All these years, I was in your hearts. Now, I wish to be in your homes. There was a time when you saw me as a star. That time is done. Now I'm like a lamp who wishes to shine in your homes. People have to help me continuously shine and not get extinguished in the wind of corruption.

This is a party for all of us: Haasan

"Till now, I acted. I was paid from the money you spent for the movies. All I did was just waving my hands at you whenever I saw you and saying statements. But now it is time to spend the rest of my life for giving back to the very people who gave me everything. Look at the functionaries of my party. This is not a party that should stop with me. This should go on for atleast the next three generations. This is a party for all of us," says Haasan.
 

People ask me if I am left or right? That is why I kept the name 'Maiam', which means centre: Haasan 

I am sowing seeds of change, says Haasan

Explaining the emblem on the flag, Haasan says, "It is the map of a new South India. The six hands are the six states in South India. The star in the centre represents the people. The people are the stars." "Are you left or right?" - That's why we have the word 'Centre' in the party. We will take the goodness from all sides. "I am 63 years old. I don't have the idea of ruling for the next 40 years. I am searching for a leader in this very group. I am just sowing the seed for a change," says Haasan.

Caste and religion games must be stopped, says Haasan

A new era is beginning in Tamil Nadu

"Unemployed educated youngsters can become a thing of the past. We are adopting eight villages in the state and trying to do welfare measures. If you have issues with our functioning, let us know. We are not arrogant people. This is a combined effort, " says Haasan. A new era is beginning in Tamil Nadu. Mentioning the Cauvery issue, Haasan says, "There is no point instigating and blaming the other state. If there is a proper dialogue between the powers, then a solution can be always found."

"If you had voted for good party without accepting money, TN would be a better state"

Hassan enlists his party ideologies, saying,"Good and quality education that reaches all sections of people. Enough of games that were played on the back of religion and caste." "Even the people are equally responsible for the state that we are in. I will never pay money for votes. I don't have the money, but even if I do,I will not give it to you for votes. I will use it for your welfare but never for votes," says Haasan. If you had voted for the good parties without accepting money, Tamil Nadu would have been in a better state, says Haasan.

Many have questioned what my party is about, says Haasan

Kamal Haasan says, "Chandrababu Naidu asked, 'What is your party?' He is one of my political heroes. I told him that despite the differences in political ideology, I consider him one of my poltiical heroes and Naidu reiterated my very own thought by saying that we might follow different 'isms' but the common thread is striving to provide welfare of the people.The people should be the one dictating terms. It shouldn't be one particular person."

People of Delhi rejected both BJP and Congress and gave us 67 seats: Arvind Kejriwal

Kejriwal draws parallel between MNM and AAP

Kejriwal reminisces the time when people of Delhi chose AAP over Congress and BJP, two corrupt parties. Saying that his party has been an honest government, he goes onto say that there no dearth of politics but is a dearth of good intentions in the country, says Kejriwal. People of Delhi started the trend to vote for non-corrupt parties and now it is Tamil Nadu's turn, he adds.

Kamal Haasan is a real-life hero, says Arvind Kejriwal

"I'm here not because he is a great film actor but because he is real life hero. He is not only honest, he has a great vision. I admire his courage the most. He has the courage to speak up and to fight against the communal forces in this country. Earlier the state was divided into two corrupt parties DMK and AIADMK, now the people of Tamil Nadu will vote for an honest party," says Arvind Kejriwal

MNM's official twitter handle shows Kejriwal congratulating Haasan

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan congratulates Haasan

Haasan's daughter Shruti tweets a photo taken before the launch

Actor Kamal Haasan's daughter Shruti tweets in support

After Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan sends video message wishing Haasan

"This is a revolution, I welcome Arvind Kejriwal," says Haasan

"This is a revolution, I welcome Arvind Kejriwal," Haasan says and tells people,"You are the crowd of leaders. Memorise the name. We have a responsibilty from now one. This is not a one day thing. It is going to be a way of life."

Kamal Haasan launches his party website and FB page

Kamal Haasan is yet to say what his party stands for

Kamal Haasan is yet to say what his party stands for and what should they be following. Before the launch, he had expressed confidence that he would succeed with his Dravidian brand of politics, as opposed to the other superstar-turned-politician Rajinikanth, who plans to follow a spiritual brand of politics.- News 18

People who have gathered here are enraged by corruption: Haasan

"I have shown you a morsel of the government I can cook for people here. The people who have gathered here are people who have enraged by the corruption prevalent in the state," says Kamal Haasan.

Haasan refused gifts like shawls before launch of party

Kamal Haasan had said even before the start of the party that no shawls or other items should be gifted. "The chairs present on the stage should be of the same type and stature and there should be no special seating for anyone on stage. All should be uniform," says his supporter.

Flag of Haasan's party Makkal Needhi Maiam

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP Tamil Nadu in-charge Somnath Bharti at the launch

I will be seeking your political advice, Haasan tells public

"You must be an example to the present day political system and I will be seeking your suggestion rather than giving you speeches," Kamal Haasan tells the people. 

Name of party is 'Makkal Needhi Maiam'

Kamal Haasan tells the cheering crowd,"This is your party. A party for the people. I am just your tool, not your leader. This is a crowd filled with leaders.The name of this party is. . .  'Makkal Needhi Maiam'. I am not a leader who will give advice to the followers, I am a follower who asks for advice."

I am not your Thalaivar, I am one amongst you, says Kamal Haasan

Kamal Haasan arrives on stage, unfurls political flag

One lakh fans await arrival of 'Nammavar' Haasan

The actor and Arvind Kejriwal had gone to a hotel where Haasan was staying after leaving the airport. After leaving the hotel they headed to Othakadai ground in the same black convoy. Thousands await the arrival of the superstar turned politician. 

Kamal Haasan and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal en route to Othakadai ground

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal arrives in Madurai

Fans lining up to see reel-life hero, but hard yards lie ahead

Visuals from Madurai's Othakadai ground where thousands wait for 'Nammavar' Haasan

'His behaviour is still that of an actor, not of a politician', says AIADMK's KC Palanisamy

AIADMK leader KC Palanisamy tells India Today that he still has the adulation of a star and actor but he has to prove his mettle as a politician. 

Thousands gather to receive Kamal Haasan in Madurai

Kamal Haasan to launch his party shortly

Madurai has always been a preferred destination for politicians

Considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu, former chief minister MG Ramachandran always fought elections in and around Madurai. Actor Vijaykanth also launched his party there in 2005.Haasan's hometown Paramakudi was originally a part of Madurai till other districts were carved out of it for improved administration. Politicians have always considered Madurai important and until they have a hold on it, they are rarely considered powerful.

Is Haasan another Kejriwal in the making?

Kamal Haasan is promising a state free of corruption, however, it isn't the first time that a political leader has promised something like this and failed to deliver. Earlier, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also promised a corruption-free government but failed to deliver any of it. - CNN-News 18

Actor is en route to Madurai; distance to be covered in 2 hours 

Tamil Nadu BJP leader says Kamal may have "started party to compete against someone"

Across Tamil Nadu, several flags in white with Tamil Nadu map in black, bear the tag line "Naalai Namadhe" meaning "Tomorrow is Ours" especially in Rameswaram. Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu unit leader Tamilisai Soundararajan told News 18 reporters that Kamal may have "started a political party to compete against someone".- News 18

Kamal Haasan heads to Madurai for 'big event', will receive Arvind Kejriwal at airport

LED screen falls at Haasan's launch venue, none injured

Kamal Haasan reaches his hometown Paramakudi

Fishermen were disappointed at Haasan's limited interaction

Many fishermen thought the actor would be there for an hour an half to listen to their issues but Haasan barely spent seven minutes. At Paramakudi, his hometown, the actor was supposed to address the public but he simply told people from the car that he would be back at a later date. - NDTV

Kamal Haasan says no politics involved in visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial

Actor Kamal Haasan, who was upset at not being allowed admission into Kalam's school by the administration, said that no one can stop him from learning and there was no politics involved in his plan to visit the memorial and the school.Recalling the lyrics of a song from one of his films, Kamal Haasan said he was prepared to learn if required "by breaking barriers".  - CNN-News 18

AIADMK calls Haasan a 'genetically modified seed', says he has no leadership skills

Not much political space for Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu: Congress leader Veerappa Moily

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Senior Congress leader M Veerappa Moily on Tuesday said that veteran actor Kamal Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu does not have much political space to grow and sees its prospects on its own steam "very marginal".

"Unless they (Kamal Haasan's party) have a regional agenda of their own which is better than DMK and AIADMK, what space they will occupy? He (Kamal Haasan) must have thought AIADMK will collapse, and he can occupy that space, I don't think that is happening," the former Karnataka chief minister said. He said, the Congress will be "very strongly" with DMK in Tamil Nadu, adding his party would continue to strive to strengthen its base in the state, even while aligning with the DMK for the present.

-PTI

WATCH: Haasan pays tribute at Kalam's memorial in Rameswaram

Visuals of Haasan at the Kalam memorial

Kamal Haasan's political debut, like the opening of big films, will be keenly watched

Being an actor, Kamal knows that like the opening of a big-hero film, his political debut will also be keenly watched for the kind of crowds he attracts. His political managers in charge of crowd control will try to make it look big, because future alliances and combinations are built on it.

Kamal Haasan will address gathering in his hometown Paramakudi next

The actor, set to launch his political party today, visited APJ Abdul Kalam's memorial on Tuesday. He will visit his hometown Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district and address a gathering there. 

Kamal Haasan emails his fans

I am a great fan of Mahatma Gandhi: Kamal Haasan

Haasan chose 21 February to launch party as it is International Mother Language Day

'Don't see much difference between films and politics'

'Serving people is my priority'

Addressing the media, Kamal Haasan said, "My political journey begins. Serving people is my priority. I live in people's hearts," he said while adding that APJ Abdul Kalam was an inspiration.

WATCH: Kamal Haasan at the press meet in Rameswaram

Kamal has taken our problems into his hands, Centre not taking care of us, says fisherman at press meet

"Kamal is an actor par excellence. He has now taken our problems into his hands. The Centre is not taking notice of us. The Sri Lankan navy has been capturing our fishing boats. He (Kamal) is curious and concerned about us. He is our "fisher-friend". It has come to a situation where we can't go and fish. If caught, we get two years of jail and pay a fine of up to Rs 2 crore. Such a thing will never exist in any democratic country in the world. Our livelihood is being taken away from us. Many years they've been telling us they'll do something. We begged Sushma Swaraj to solve our problem. Her only solution was don't go to international waters and fish there. Kamal Haasan is our life boat. I hope he can help us. We don't belong to any political party, we are just fisherfolk," said a fisherman at the press meet in Rameswaram. 

'I didn't come to get fishermen to join me, I came to join them': Kamal Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan brought fishermen to the press meet at Rameswaram and said that since he couldn't speak to them properly at Ganesh Mahal due to media presence, he will speak to them separately again. "We will talk separately again. I will come again, says Haasan to fishermen. Thank you very much for coming here and encouraging me," he said to the fishermen. 

"I didn't come to get them (fishermen) to join me, I came to join them. I don't want shawls to be draped around me. I am your shawl, I am your protection," he added. 

Kerala, Bihar CM were also invited to attend party launch

Kamal Haasan's hometown Paramakudi wears a deserted look on eve of his visit

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal leaves his leaves residence to attend Haasan's party launch in Madurai

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wishes Kamal Haasan on his party launch

Visuals of Kamal Haasan at APJ Abdul Kalam's house earlier today

'Different governments have made different promises'

'Will support fishermen community'

"I will be there, will support the community. There is a need to re-discuss international treaties. Your questions cannot be answered with violence," says Kamal Haasan as he addresses fishermen in Rameswaram.

Kamal Haasan addresses fishermen in Rameswaram

Speaking to fishermen, Kamal Haasan said, "Fishing is one of the most important livelihood options in Tamil Nadu, That's why I have come to visit you. I want to understand your issues and take it forward."

Greatness can come from simplicity, tweets Kamal Haasan

Tamil Nadu education department's decision to deny Haasan permission to visit Kalam's school is right

Haasan spoke about development politics, says Sheikh Dawood, APJ Abdul Kalam's grandson

Speaking to the media, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam's grandson, Sheikh Dawood said during his visit to the former president of India's house in Rameswaram, actor Kamal Haasan said he shared Kalam's vision. "He said he shares Kalam's vision to talk about development politics

Haasan meets with APJ Abdul Kalam's family

Earlier on Tuesday, the actor briefly interacted with Kalam's nonagenarian brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar while being flanked by other close relatives of the former president in Rameswaram.

'Kamal is Kalam': Posters across Madurai project Haasan as the next APJ Abdul Kalam

Posters plastered across the streets of Madurai and Rameswaram show actor Kamal Haasan emulating iconic leaders including former president of India APJ Abdul Kalam. 

Kamal Haasan to meet fishermen at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram

'Greatness can come from simplest of houses, and this is one of them': Kamal Haasan after visiting Kalam's house

Arvind Kejriwal to attend Kamal Haasan's party launch in Madurai

Kamal Haasan is trying to convey he will emulate APJ Abdul Kalam

Before he announces his political party and articulates its ideology, Kamal will head east to Rameswaram, the birthplace of the former President of India. This is also where Kalam was laid to rest. What connects Kalam and Kamal is that the actor grew up in neighbouring Paramkudi in Ramanathapuram district while Kalam did his schooling in Ramanathapuram town. Apart from the similar-sounding names, Kamal Haasan wants to convey that his ideas for the nation and Tamil Nadu are from Kalam's school of thought. The posters brag that the dreams and aspirations of Kalam will be fulfilled by Kamal. His supporters expect Kamal to come up with a Kalamism, when he addresses the gathering on Wednesday evening.

Kamal Haasan’s schedule for today:

·   7:45 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam's house

·   8:15 am: Arrive at APJ Abdul Kalam's school

·   8:50 am: Arrive at Ganesh Mahal to meet the fishermen

·   11:10 am: Arrive at APJ Kalam’s memorial

·   11:20 am: Leave for APJ Kalam’s memorial towards Madurai

·   12:30 pm: Public meeting at Ramanathapuram palace

·   2:30 pm: Paramakudi Public meeting

·   3 pm: Manamadurai public meeting

·   5 pm: Arrive at Othakadai ground in Madurai

·   6 pm: Political party flag hoisting

·   6:30 pm: Public meeting

·   8:10 pm to 9 pm: Nammavar’s speech

Tamil Nadu govt denied permission to Kamal Haasan to visit APJ Abdul Kalam's school

Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram

Kamal Haasan's visit to school where APJ Abdul Kalam studied, cancelled

Kamal Haasan visits APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram

Kamal Haasan to launch his political party today

The actor-turned-politician will address his first public meeting in the afternoon at Ramanathapuram near the iconic palace entrance. He will later leave for nearby Paramakudi and then, Manamadurai and address meetings there before reaching Madurai in the evening. He is also set to spell out the name of his party.