Actor turned politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday, February 21, 2018, announced his political party “Makkal Neethi Maiam” or the People Justice Centre. The launch was just like a teaser launch of his movie.
His speech at the launch is being viewed as low on substance and high on rhetoric. Kamal Haasan has emphasized a lot on a pragmatic approach towards people problem, but when it comes to ground issues, it seems that he lacks major understanding. However, his address made one thing clear – he hopes that he would remain ideologically neutral or as he calls “away from isms”.
With Kejriwal on stage and in Kejriwal’s tone, Hassan attacked the DMK and the AIADMK, criticising widespread corruption in the state, but he omitted any statements on the BJP. Hassan must have a firm stand on the matter of religion and caste to build a clearer agenda and a more coherent political narrative. Hassan also has to understand that politics does not work on fan clubs, and fans are not always your voter. You have to go down to the understanding of your voters and address them at their level in the sections of the society.
The Tamil Nadu BJP state leaders are irked by actors move and following the wait and watch policy, BJP’s state leader Tamilisai Soundararajan said, “Just like competing in films, the actor has seemed to have started the political party to compete against someone.” Many believe that this statement was in reference to actor Rajinikanth and his latest political outing.
All Eyes On Rajinikanth
After Kamal Haasan party announcement all eyes are on Rajinikanth, who broke his silence a day the launch and told his fans, “Discipline and strong foundation are necessary in politics. Let other make noise. We shall concentrate on our work.”
Previously in an announcement to enter politics on December 31, 2017, the superstar has said he believes in spiritual politics, quoting a shloka from Bhagwat Gita, which stressed on the importance of doing one’s duties and leaving rest on God.
The 63-year old superstar has said his colour of politics is black, indicating his Dravidian ideology which is deeply rooted in politics of South India. In many past instances, Rajinikanth has repeatedly demonstrated his liking to the BJP. While BJP has no more than a toehold in the state politics, has been hoping to piggyback on to win over Tamil Nadu.
In The End
By making superficial statements on weighty matters, refraining from commenting on the BJP while attacking the state parties, and seeking an ideologically-neutral ground, Haasan has left a great deal of room for speculation about the trajectory his party will take.