Kamal Haasan, under attack from govt, asks people to digitally register instances of graft

Under attack from the ruling AIADMK in Tamil Nadu, including Chief Minister E K Palaniswami, for his allegations of corruption within the government, filmstar Kamal Haasan today exhorted the public to digitally register instances of graft with the government.

In his first response to politicians, including Palaniswami's remarksthat he should take the political plunge to expect a response to his allegations, the 62-year- old actor said he had become an "amateur politician" the day he expressed his voice against imposition of Hindi in the state.

Responding to the ministers demanding proof of his charges of corruption in the government, Kamal Haasan said the entire state was making allegations in this regard.

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He said his detractors, finance minister D Jayakumar who wanted himto take the political plunge, and BJP's H Raja were not aware that he had already entered politics.

Without naming anyone, Kamal Haasan said those in power and "who forgot their responsibility by accepting money" were threatening action against him for tax evasion. He added that this angeredhim and at the same time, he found it laughable.

On the ministers seeking evidence from him, he said the people were there to remind them of the corruption.

"You should write to them if you had come across corruption in this government. Don't do that through letters or postcards as they will just tear them. Record them digitally and with dignity," said Haasan.

In his post on Twitter, the actor said that while there were people who would voice their concerns with regard togovernment departments, he would do the same for his own department, "cinema".

The veteran filmstar alleged widespread corruption in giving tax exemption to films, adding, that many, apparently from the film industry, aided such corruption "out of fear".

However, he added that there were a few exceptions like him.

"People are not herds. Respect their voices. They will be clearly heard soon," said Kamal Haasan. He also provided a digital link to a government website for the people to air their grievances.