Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is holding an in-person meeting with his party district secretaries to chalk out a strategy for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This meeting comes after the party empowered Haasan to take decisions on the party’s alliance ahead of the crucial polls, where the ruling AIADMK faces a double anti-incumbency.&nbsp;

It is understood that the main agenda of the meeting is to work on establishing booth committees for all constituencies and to draw the plans for the actor’s state-wide campaign tour, besides working out the funding for the party.&nbsp;

In terms of their party’s stance, Haasan has been vocal against the ruling BJP and also the AIADMK government in the state. The actor has held regular meetings with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and also Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, besides Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee, The veteran act has been quite firmly stated that his ideology takes inspiration from the Left and also the Dravidian movement.&nbsp;

Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam(People’s Centre for Justice), which was launched in February 2018 had contested the 2019 Parliamentary polls in 39 seats across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as well as the by-polls to 22 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

While the fledgling party had not bagged any seats on debut, they exceeded one lakh votes in few constituencies and were placed third in few others. The actor had expressed that the main obstacles for his party were widespread poverty and money distribution in the rural pockets, where they did not perform well, as opposed to urban areas where they secured more votes.

“In certain areas we have 12per cent vote share and our average vote share is nearly 5 per cent”, he said in 2019, expressing happiness over his party’s then decision to go alone, sans alignments with major parties. He said that analysts and advisors on their side foresaw a bright future for the fledgling party.&nbsp;

Kamal Haasan who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on November 7th had announced his 232nd film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj in September. Announcing the flick with Kanagaraj, Kamal had tweeted “Another journey begins”, with a picture that depicted a collage of the actor that was designed by arranging weapons that included assault rifles, pistols, bullets etc.. By the look of it, it seemed like an action-oriented film and the poster which sported a bright red background had the words “Once upon a time there lived a ghost” written in bold.

The veteran actor has been actively commenting on contemporary issues and taking potshots at the central and state governments over their functioning. In 2019, both Kamal Haasan and Rajinkanth had hinted that there was a possibility of them joining hands in their political journey. Hassan is also part of the Shankar-directed big-budget film Indian 2 and another project Thalaivan Irukkindran, which is said to be a sequel. Hassan is also busy with helming the fourth season of TV reality show Big boss.&nbsp;

He was last seen on the large screen in spy-thriller Vishwaroopam 2.&nbsp;

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is holding an in-person meeting with his party district secretaries to chalk out a strategy for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is holding an in-person meeting with his party district secretaries to chalk out a strategy for the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This meeting comes after the party empowered Haasan to take decisions on the party’s alliance ahead of the crucial polls, where the ruling AIADMK faces a double anti-incumbency. It is understood that the main agenda of the meeting is to work on establishing booth committees for all constituencies and to draw the plans for the actor’s state-wide campaign tour, besides working out the funding for the party. In terms of their party’s stance, Haasan has been vocal against the ruling BJP and also the AIADMK government in the state. The actor has held regular meetings with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and also Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, besides Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamta Banerjee, The veteran act has been quite firmly stated that his ideology takes inspiration from the Left and also the Dravidian movement. Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam(People’s Centre for Justice), which was launched in February 2018 had contested the 2019 Parliamentary polls in 39 seats across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry as well as the by-polls to 22 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. While the fledgling party had not bagged any seats on debut, they exceeded one lakh votes in few constituencies and were placed third in few others. The actor had expressed that the main obstacles for his party were widespread poverty and money distribution in the rural pockets, where they did not perform well, as opposed to urban areas where they secured more votes. “In certain areas we have 12per cent vote share and our average vote share is nearly 5 per cent”, he said in 2019, expressing happiness over his party’s then decision to go alone, sans alignments with major parties. He said that analysts and advisors on their side foresaw a bright future for the fledgling party. Kamal Haasan who will be celebrating his 66th birthday on November 7th had announced his 232nd film with director Lokesh Kanagaraj in September. Announcing the flick with Kanagaraj, Kamal had tweeted “Another journey begins”, with a picture that depicted a collage of the actor that was designed by arranging weapons that included assault rifles, pistols, bullets etc.. By the look of it, it seemed like an action-oriented film and the poster which sported a bright red background had the words “Once upon a time there lived a ghost” written in bold. The veteran actor has been actively commenting on contemporary issues and taking potshots at the central and state governments over their functioning. In 2019, both Kamal Haasan and Rajinkanth had hinted that there was a possibility of them joining hands in their political journey. Hassan is also part of the Shankar-directed big-budget film Indian 2 and another project Thalaivan Irukkindran, which is said to be a sequel. Hassan is also busy with helming the fourth season of TV reality show Big boss. He was last seen on the large screen in spy-thriller Vishwaroopam 2.

Kamal Haasan chairs MNM party meeting to strategise for 2021 polls

Kamal Haasan's party MNM got an overall vote share of 3.78%. MNM's minimum avg. 12% vote share in Chennai & Coimbatore. Watch this video for more details.

In Poll debut, Kamal Haasan's party MNM leaves mark for opposition

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election.

While Haasan himself is not contesting in the upcoming polls, his party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies and the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. The party has been allotted the 'battery torch'&nbsp;symbol.&nbsp;

The manifesto titled 'Vision 2024'&nbsp;chalked out ambitious plans for the district consisted of categories such as industrial growth, water, infrastructure and connectivity, farmers, clean energy, green footprint, talent capital and civil society participation. It enlisted the scheme and plans that the party has envisioned for Coimbatore and also mentioned that most projects would be completed before 2022, while some would be completed by 2024.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Kamal Haasan responded to various issues ranging from the response to his party's campaign and the emerging scenario after the upcoming polls.

"In 60 years as an actor, people have showered so much love on me, when I go up close now I feel it much more, even in the smallest of villages." He also said that Tamil Nadu is on the cusp of a revolution as the circumstances have united angry people.

Making a mention of his party’s prospects, he said many more MPs from across India will join his party Dr Mahendran, who would emerge victorious from Coimbatore. On the possibility of a Third Front, Haasan said he believed in the emergence of a third front and that many leaders across the country were thinking of it.

Haasan's party MNM, which is a little over a year old is in an alliance with smaller parties such as the Republican Party of India and the Valarum Thamilagam Party. While the Republican party of India has been allotted one Lok Sabha constituency and 3 Assembly seats, the Valarum Thamilagam Party has been allotted 2 seats in the Assembly by-polls.&nbsp;

MNM’s Vice President Dr&nbsp;Mahendran will be up against the BJP's CP Radhakrishnan and P R Natarajan of the CPI(M). P Nagarajan is the incumbent MP in this constituency. The AIADMK has an alliance with the PMK, BJP and DMK, whereas the DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election.

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan unveiled the manifesto of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), on Monday. The document was meant for Coimbatore constituency, from where MNM candidate and party's vice president Dr Mahendran is contesting election. While Haasan himself is not contesting in the upcoming polls, his party will contest all 40 Lok Sabha constituencies and the 18 vacant Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu. The party has been allotted the 'battery torch' symbol. The manifesto titled 'Vision 2024' chalked out ambitious plans for the district consisted of categories such as industrial growth, water, infrastructure and connectivity, farmers, clean energy, green footprint, talent capital and civil society participation. It enlisted the scheme and plans that the party has envisioned for Coimbatore and also mentioned that most projects would be completed before 2022, while some would be completed by 2024. Speaking to reporters at the event, Kamal Haasan responded to various issues ranging from the response to his party's campaign and the emerging scenario after the upcoming polls. "In 60 years as an actor, people have showered so much love on me, when I go up close now I feel it much more, even in the smallest of villages." He also said that Tamil Nadu is on the cusp of a revolution as the circumstances have united angry people. Making a mention of his party’s prospects, he said many more MPs from across India will join his party Dr Mahendran, who would emerge victorious from Coimbatore. On the possibility of a Third Front, Haasan said he believed in the emergence of a third front and that many leaders across the country were thinking of it. Haasan's party MNM, which is a little over a year old is in an alliance with smaller parties such as the Republican Party of India and the Valarum Thamilagam Party. While the Republican party of India has been allotted one Lok Sabha constituency and 3 Assembly seats, the Valarum Thamilagam Party has been allotted 2 seats in the Assembly by-polls. MNM’s Vice President Dr Mahendran will be up against the BJP's CP Radhakrishnan and P R Natarajan of the CPI(M). P Nagarajan is the incumbent MP in this constituency. The AIADMK has an alliance with the PMK, BJP and DMK, whereas the DMK is in an alliance with the Congress, Left parties and other smaller outfits.

Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam unveils Coimbatore-specific manifesto

Kamal Haasan not to contest Lok Sabha elections 2019

Actor politician Kamal Haasan Sunday wondered why the ordinance promulgated by the President provided for death penalty for rape of girls under 12 years alone and not for those aged between 14 and 16 and said families should bring up boys to act responsibly.

"Why is the death penalty only for rape of girls aged under 12... what about 14, 15, and 16-year-olds, are they not children too."It will take time for them too (14-16 year-olds) to blossom as women. I do not know how to view it," he said.

The Makkal Needhi Maiam chief was addressing his party workers and supporters through YouTube.

Answering a question on crimes against women and children and the rules he would bring in if his party was voted to power, Haasan said "rules can be formulated... even now death penalty has been prescribed."

Haasan had made known his views against the death penalty before he entered politics.

The MNM chief said the important thing was for families to change their mindset in the way they brought up boys.

"Just like we teach the values of chastity and honesty to girls, boys too must be brought up responsibly by families. Sadly, this was not being done and boys were pampered and allowed to do what they wanted, 'just because he is a male', the actor said.

No government rule was needed to implement this, he said.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday promulgated the criminal law amendment ordinance,paving the way for providing stringent punishment, including "death" penalty, for those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years.

The actor turned politician said he had given deep thought as to why he should get into politics when leaders he respected like Mahatma Gandhi and reformist leader Periyar had stayed away from it.

"All along I was keeping quiet thinking I could toe a similar line. Had such leaders been alive today, there would have been a necessity for them to take part in electoral politics," he said.

Haasan said it was not a spur of the moment decision for him to join politics. It was a thought process lasting many years.

There was also some confusion in arriving at a decision but he overcame it, he said The MNM chief said he had a "guilty" feeling as he wondered if politics was pushed to a bad phase due to "carelessness" of the general public and the media in monitoring the government and questioning it.

Haasan alleged that there was arrogance among those in power and hence they were disinclined to answer people's questions. Such factors steadily pushed him towards getting into politics.

He replied in the negative when asked whether he ever regretted entering politics.

To a question, the actor said his brand of politics would be driven by people's welfare and he did not hanker for power.

To another question, he said "you decide what I should be... whether the Chief Minister or Leader of Opposition." On eradicating caste, Haasan said it was a 'disease' and it should be eradicated.

Caste-based discrimination was a reason for poverty.

Caste could not be eradicated immediately he said and called for a change from a personal level to facilitate it.

Stating that 'gram swarajya' was a possibility, he said his party has adopted already a village and more will be done.

He told his cadres to deal firmly and properly if political parties put obstacles during their welfare work.

"Those who pose obstacles for service to the people are anti-nationals, they should be dealt properly but without violence," he said. 
&nbsp;

'Why is the death penalty only for rape of girls aged under 12... what about 14, 15, and 16-year-olds, are they not children too."It will take time for them too (14-16 year-olds) to blossom as women. I do not know how to view it,' Hassan said

Actor politician Kamal Haasan Sunday wondered why the ordinance promulgated by the President provided for death penalty for rape of girls under 12 years alone and not for those aged between 14 and 16 and said families should bring up boys to act responsibly. "Why is the death penalty only for rape of girls aged under 12... what about 14, 15, and 16-year-olds, are they not children too."It will take time for them too (14-16 year-olds) to blossom as women. I do not know how to view it," he said. The Makkal Needhi Maiam chief was addressing his party workers and supporters through YouTube. Answering a question on crimes against women and children and the rules he would bring in if his party was voted to power, Haasan said "rules can be formulated... even now death penalty has been prescribed." Haasan had made known his views against the death penalty before he entered politics. The MNM chief said the important thing was for families to change their mindset in the way they brought up boys. "Just like we teach the values of chastity and honesty to girls, boys too must be brought up responsibly by families. Sadly, this was not being done and boys were pampered and allowed to do what they wanted, 'just because he is a male', the actor said. No government rule was needed to implement this, he said. President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday promulgated the criminal law amendment ordinance,paving the way for providing stringent punishment, including "death" penalty, for those convicted of raping girls below the age of 12 years. The actor turned politician said he had given deep thought as to why he should get into politics when leaders he respected like Mahatma Gandhi and reformist leader Periyar had stayed away from it. "All along I was keeping quiet thinking I could toe a similar line. Had such leaders been alive today, there would have been a necessity for them to take part in electoral politics," he said. Haasan said it was not a spur of the moment decision for him to join politics. It was a thought process lasting many years. There was also some confusion in arriving at a decision but he overcame it, he said The MNM chief said he had a "guilty" feeling as he wondered if politics was pushed to a bad phase due to "carelessness" of the general public and the media in monitoring the government and questioning it. Haasan alleged that there was arrogance among those in power and hence they were disinclined to answer people's questions. Such factors steadily pushed him towards getting into politics. He replied in the negative when asked whether he ever regretted entering politics. To a question, the actor said his brand of politics would be driven by people's welfare and he did not hanker for power. To another question, he said "you decide what I should be... whether the Chief Minister or Leader of Opposition." On eradicating caste, Haasan said it was a 'disease' and it should be eradicated. Caste-based discrimination was a reason for poverty. Caste could not be eradicated immediately he said and called for a change from a personal level to facilitate it. Stating that 'gram swarajya' was a possibility, he said his party has adopted already a village and more will be done. He told his cadres to deal firmly and properly if political parties put obstacles during their welfare work. "Those who pose obstacles for service to the people are anti-nationals, they should be dealt properly but without violence," he said.

Kamal Haasan: Why death penalty only for rape of girls under 12... what about 14, 15 & 16-year-olds?

As Kamal Haasan made his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/haasans-makkal-needhi-maiam-united-to-build-a-progressive-thamizh-nadu-33641">political debut with the launch</a> of his party&nbsp;Makkal Needhi Maiam(MNM) today in the holy city of Madurai, Delhi chief minister who was present on stage with the new political star, said it was a great political alternative to emerge in southern India.

&quot;I am great fan of&nbsp;Kamal Haasan,&quot; the Delhi chief minister said amid a loud cheer from the crowd.

&quot;Till today the people of Tamil Nadu were stuck, just DMK and AIADMK existed, both of them are corrupt,&quot; Kejriwal said, adding that MNM is an honest &quot;political alternative&quot;.

The Delhi CM told the crowd to vote for Haasan&#39;s party while sighting the example of his own party AAP which burst onto the scene five years ago.

&quot;My experience is if an honest government exists, anything is possible,&quot;&nbsp;he said, declaring that the new energy in the crowd will propel the newly-formed party to the top.

&quot;Only good intention is needed,&quot; CM Kejriwal said.

&quot;Next time you don&#39;t have to vote for a&nbsp;corrupt party, vote for Kamal Hassan instead,&quot; he declared as the crowd roared.

The Delhi CM told the crowd to vote for Haasan's party while sighting the example of his own party AAP which burst onto the scene five years ago.

As Kamal Haasan made his political debut with the launch of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam(MNM) today in the holy city of Madurai, Delhi chief minister who was present on stage with the new political star, said it was a great political alternative to emerge in southern India. "I am great fan of Kamal Haasan," the Delhi chief minister said amid a loud cheer from the crowd. "Till today the people of Tamil Nadu were stuck, just DMK and AIADMK existed, both of them are corrupt," Kejriwal said, adding that MNM is an honest "political alternative". The Delhi CM told the crowd to vote for Haasan's party while sighting the example of his own party AAP which burst onto the scene five years ago. "My experience is if an honest government exists, anything is possible," he said, declaring that the new energy in the crowd will propel the newly-formed party to the top. "Only good intention is needed," CM Kejriwal said. "Next time you don't have to vote for a corrupt party, vote for Kamal Hassan instead," he declared as the crowd roared.

DMK, AIADMK are corrupt, vote for Kamal Haasan instead: Kejriwal at launch of MNM

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