Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Two Stars make entry into politics' that was published in Newsband

Two Stars make entry into politics

Both Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan, two stars with wide fan bases and who could deliver one blockbuster after another, have made entry into politics. Both Rajinikanth and Haasan are vying to fill the same political space, the vacuum created by the death of Jayalalithaa. They are hoping to take over the AIADMK’s vote bank. Karunanidhi’s DMK remains in serious contention for power. The actor-politicians will therefore have to fight for their share from the rest of the pie.

Unlike Rajinikanth, Haasan has been more forthright in expressing his political views, through tweets, press conferences, public speeches and columns. At the very least, Haasan appears willing to articulate a political programme with a vision and stated goals, in marked contrast to Rajinikanth who did not go beyond vague generalities while announcing his entry into politics. Winning over voters in different regions with different livelihood concerns and social identities is no easy task.

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth and a secret meeting in a car. Kamal Haasan says he held a “secret” meeting with his contemporary and friend Rajinikanth about his entry into politics and decided to maintain dignity even if they became rivals later. While Haasan launched his party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in Madurai on February 21, Rajinikanth announced his political entry in December 2017. Hassan wanted his one time co-star to be in the know about his decision to enter politics before the others knew about it.

Haasan will be the president of his newly launched MNM. According to him, He is neither left nor right (in ideology). That’s why he has ‘maiam’ (centre) in his party (name) which means his party will absorb all good things from whichever direction they come.

He promised to strive to offer quality education for all, end propaganda on caste and religious lines, provide uninterrupted electricity supply and eradicate corruption. He also aspired to forge ties among the southern States as a federal concept. “Today is the day to speak up (against corruption) and tomorrow is for action,” he said to loud cheers.

Kamal Haasan pledges to work for people till last breath. In Rameswaram, hoisted his party’s flag in front of a mammoth gathering here. He was cheered among others by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who saw in the actor the potential to dislodge the Dravidian parties. Explaining his party flag – a white background with six human hands, three each in black and red, forming a circle with a big black star and a smaller white star within it – the actor said, the six hands represented the “new South India”, the six southern States, (including Union Territory of Puducherry) and the star denoted the people. He also said he had a solution to resolve the Cauvery dispute through “proper dialogue” and stoking the humanness among the people of Karnataka.

Hope Kamal Haasan would stick to his promises and help transform TN and India. Wish anti-corruption sentiments in India bring about a silent revolution and give India the place it deserves as world leader. The depth of knowledge of Kamal Haasan and his passion to bring about change is impressive.

It is only in the state of TN that the route to the post of the CM is through the tinsel because of the popularity they gain in their profession that easily serve as a base and stepping stone. People should think of giving support to Kamal Hassan for a change from the monolithic and obscurantic misrule of the Dravidian parties who made corruption and bribery legal and amassed wealth that would last for generations of the descendants. In the next election they deserve to be shown the gate. In the name of Dravidian and Tamil culture, they have spoilt the social life of the people in Tamil Nadu.