Not left or right. I am centre: Kamal Haasan

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday launched his political party “Makkal Needhi Maiam (Centre for People’s Justice)” and declared that his party “is for the people.”

“This is a party for you, for the people. I am only your tool, you are the leaders,” said Kamal at the launch of his party at Othakadai Grounds in Madurai.

Kamal also unfurled his party’s flag featuring six united hands — three each in white and red — with a white star in the middle. The flag has both Dravidian colours — red and black. The six hands in the flag stand for the six south Indian states and the star is the people, he said.  

He said he did not believe in any ideology. “People are asking me whether I am Left or Right. I don’t believe in any ism. That’s why we put the Centre in our party name. We will take good things from all,” he said. For those wanted to know our policies, he said, “Good education must reach all, communal and religious instigation must end. We will achieve it and be an example to all. If we end corruption, there will be no dearth or stoppage of amenities or access to services.” He also urged the people not to take money for the votes as they were being cheated by paying a meagre amount. He also said there would not be a permanent chief minister in his party.

On entering the politics at the age of 63 years, Kamal said, “The rest of my life is for you. That’s why this hurry and I want it to succeed in my lifetime.”

Responding to criticism, he said he chose to ignore them and keep up with work.