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Hope Rajinikanth's colour is not saffron, says Kamal Haasan on political alliance

Hinting that he is unlikely to join hands with superstar Rajinikanth in politics, Tamil actor Kamal Haasan has said that a political alliance is only possible if Thalaivar’s “colour is not saffron.”

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Hinting that he is unlikely to join hands with superstar Rajinikanth in politics, Tamil actor Kamal Haasan has said that a political alliance is only possible if Thalaivar’s “colour is not saffron.”

Speaking at Harvard University on Saturday, Haasan said Rajinikanth’s political entry came in a particular hue. 

“Our approach is different… His (Rajinikanth’s) very first announcements came in a particular hue. I hope it is not saffron,” Haasan was quoted as saying by News18. 

Both Haasan and Rajinikanth recently announced their foray into electoral politics. 

Responding to a question on Rajinikanth, Haasan said if there is some commonality of thoughts and ideas between them and in the manifestos of the two political parties, an alliance may be on the cards.

But, he quickly referred to the stark differences between them - on religion and on "saffron", which was interpreted as Rajinikanth's inclination towards the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party).

"I cannot see a clear understanding now," Hasaan said when pressed by moderator senior journalist Barkha Dutt on the sharp ideological differences he has with his contemporary.

But he kept the doors open.

"If necessary (I will hold hands with others)," Haasan said, noting that the case is unlikely.

He, however, ruled out a post-poll alliance.

"If there is no majority, its the people's verdict. Then I would not have to sit but stand and wait for the next time," he said indicating that he would prefer to be in the Opposition if his party does not get a majority.

"The reason I have started a new political party itself shows that I want to walk with the people, not the politicians," he said.

Rajinikanth shares a good relationship with the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Announcing that he would launch a political party ahead of next assembly election in Tamil Nadu whcih would contest all 234 seats, Rajinikanth had declared on December 31, 2017 that "spiritual politics" needs to be ushered in, sans shades of any caste or religion with transparency.

Responding to a question on love jihad, Haasan said, "I think that a new revolution is on its way. I do not know about jihad, but love would triumph hate." Hasaan said Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party head Arvind Kejriwal met him in Chennai and offered an alliance with his party.

"I intend to take it (the experience) not only from Mr Kejriwal but from others as well," he said.

Earlier, in his key note address, Hasaan rued that there is status quo and mediocrity in Tamil Nadu.

Confident of raising funds for the elections, Haasan called upon the Tamil community across the world to come up with ideas.

He said all is not well with Tamil Nadu and announced his plans to adopt a village in every district of his home state. 

He said that he will begin with one village and then scale up it to every district of Tamil Nadu.

"I am announcing a plan of adopting a village in every district of Tail Nadu... With the vision of making them the best villages in the world," Hasaan said in his key note address at the annual Indian conference of the prestigious Harvard University.

"All is not well with Tamil Nadu," he said, slamming the current lot of political class in his state.

The film star quoted Mahatma Gandhi's idea of a self- reliant and self-sustainable village.

(With PTI inputs)

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