Periyar statue row: H Raja must apologise, Kamal Haasan says

CHENNAI: Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday said BJP leader H Raja should tender a proper apology for his remark against social reformer Periyar.
Addressing a press conference here, Kamal stated, “Raja said he regretted the statement. He needs to tender a proper apology. We will then see if we can accept it. He may have retracted his statement, but the damage has been done.”

The actor said, “A decent thing the BJP can do is to expel Raja.”

Kamal said Periyar statues didn’t need police protection and Tamils could take care of Periyar's honour. “Periyar is too tall a leader to be destructed by such petty talks and vandalism. Police must protect those who speak against Periyar. They may require the protection,” he said.

Asked about intolerance, Kamal said he had a different view on the issue around intolerance. “Don't tolerate Hindus and Muslims, accept them as they are and we will have amity. When you tolerate, it becomes a headache. That is my view,” he said.