Kamal Haasan on Wednesday launched his political party. Photo by Aravind BalaMadurai: Amid fanfare, actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday launched his political party, naming it "Makkal Needhi Maiam," and unveiled its flag that symbolizes the strength of unity.
"I am not your leader, I am your tool.. this gathering is full of leaders," he said moments before announcing the party's name that roughly translates to "Centre for People's Justice."
The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of his party with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect as the huge crowd roared its approval.
The flag in white background has six hands joining together with shades of red over three hands and rest with white along with a star in between surrounded by a star like background in black.
Colors black and white has a political significance in Tamil Nadu which forms part of the flags of the two big parties of the state - AIADMK and DMK - and the shades are also seen as a pointer to the Dravidian ideology.
Citing a Tamil proverb of 'Oru Soru,' which means a small example of a whole lot, he said the launch was just the first step for 'makkal atchi,' (people's rule).
'Makkal Needhi Maiam is here to stay, and to make the change we all aspire for,' says Kamal Haasan. Photo by Aravind Bala"This is a party made for you, for the people,...," he said to thunderous applause.
The top actor told his supporters that they have a duty, reminding them that this was not a "one day event"
"This is going to become a way of life for us, let us remember that."
People gather in support of Tamil film icon Kamal Haasan. PTIHe asked his followers to realize that they have a big responsibility and they had to be pioneers.
"I am not a leader to give advice. I am a worker to listen to your advice," Haasan said.
Pinarayi lauds Kamal
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan congratulated Kamal Haasan via pre-recorded message during the party launch.
In his message broadcast through video at the public meeting, Vijayan expressed the hope that his entry into politics would enrich the political life in Tamil Nadu.
Starting his greetings with a few remarks in Tamil, the Kerala chief minister said he felt honored to convey his greetings to Kamal, who was launching a political party to serve the people. "He is dear to me and the people of Kerala also," he said.
Recalling that Kamal started his film career in Kerala, Vijayan said Kamal had acted as a bridge between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
He said Tamil Nadu was known for the social and political reformist movements, which have had an effect in Kerala politics too.
"I am sure his entry into political life will enrich the political life of Tamil Nadu and hope he will uphold ideals of secularism, democracy and pluralism in his politics," Vijayan said.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, and former Delhi minister Somnath Bharati were also present in the public meeting in which Kamal declared the party's name and flag.
Kejriwal, who addressed the public meeting where the party was launched, hailed Kamal as the new alternative to Tamil Nadu to rout the 'corrupt' AIADMK and DMK -- a point the actor acknowledged in his speech.
Sea of people
A huge crowd had gathered in support of the popular actor-turned-politician. Clad in a white shirt and a black trousers, a smiling Haasan arrived on the stage showing the thumbs up sign to his fans who had arrived in large numbers to announce the party name.
Huge crowd had gathered in support of the popular actor-turned-politician. PTIHis supporters waved banners sporting popular catch words from his movies like 'Nammavarey,' (Our man) and placards of 'Nalai Namathey,' showing a smiling Haasan.
Cultural events preceded the launch.
Haasan arrived here from Rameswaram after visiting former president A P J Abdul Kalam's house where he sought blessings from the late leader's brother.
(With inputs from PTI and IANS)
Read more: Latest India news
