Makkal Needhi Maiam: What does Kamal Haasan's party name mean and other FAQs

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday launched his political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' and declared his party “is for the people.”

Less than 24 hours since the party launch, 'Makkal Needi Maiam' Twitter handle has over 25,000 followers till now.

What does the party symbol means?

Kamal unfurled his party’s flag featuring six united hands - three each in white and red - with a white star in the middle. The six 'enjoining hands' symbol of his new political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' represents six southern states and the star represents people, Hassan said. The six southern states include Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and one Union Territory Andeman and Nicobar Islands.

What is the meaning of 'Makkal Needhi Maiam'?

Kamal Haasan's party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' roughly means People's Justice Centre. “This is a party for you, for the people. I am only your tool, you are the leaders,” said Haasan at the launch of his party at Othakadai Grounds in Madurai.

The actor-turned-politician said that he did not believe in any ideology and hence and have added 'Maiam' in his party's name. "People ask me what is Maiam, and if I am a Left or a Right. This is why I have kept my party's name 'Maiam', which means centre," Haasan said.

What inspired Kamal Haasan to launch his party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam'?

Haasan when asked who his inspiration is, the now-turned politician was quick to reply - Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi or Periyar E V Ramasamy. The former tamil actor said he was also inspired from all, including Arvind Kejriwal, N Chandrababu Naidu, Pinarayi Vijayan and Barack Obama.

Main aim of Haasan's party 'Makkal Needhi Maiam'

Haasan said his party would work on providing quality education to all and diminishing caste and religion difference in the society.

"We will work on many issues including these. We will set an example; fight corruption together. People have unfortunately sold their votes for merely Rs 6,000. People ask me if I will give them money. My answer is no, I will not. If you accept money, you cannot ask your representative for anything," he said.

Haasan said that all these years he was in people's heart and now he wants to be a part of their residence, "I am the lamp in your house, which does not flicker in winds of corruption."

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.

Kamal Hasaan is looking to fight against the other two dominant regional political parties in Tamil Nadu - All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). In December last year, superstar Rajnikanth announced his entry into politics and said he will launch his own party soon.

(With inputs from ANI)