Apart from being a very good actor, a decent writer-director, a concerned human being, a knowledgeable man, Kamal Haasan is also is an activist. Though he has never held an administrative position so far, he can compensate for it with zeal and he is a keen learner. His intent is sincere and his will is to do good for the people of Tamil Nadu.
I am sure that he has a better vision for Tamil Nadu than many seasoned politicians and definitely much better than Thalaivars. Kamal has always projected himself as a one-man army, working with head-strong individuals, party men, cabinet ministers, and the likes would be definitely a challenge for him.
Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with actor Sarathkumar’s All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi (AISMK) and SRM group founder TR Pachamuthu’s Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK).
Also read: DMK To Emerge As A Single Largest Party In Tamil Nadu?
Hassan’s party, in its debut assembly polls, will be contesting from 154 seats. Of the remaining 80 constituencies, both AISMK and IJK will be contesting on 40 seats each.
The statement issued by MNM reads that the parties have come together to bring about an overall change in Tamil Nadu, but elections will decide the fate of an individual and above all its survival. With the common agenda of restoring the pride and glory of Tamil Nadu, they have decided to embark on a long-lasting journey together.
Their press statement says “The primary goal of this platform is to contest the upcoming assembly elections with a promise for change and emerge victorious to form the government. AISMK and IJK leaders met Haasan in February and hoped that MNM would enter into a poll-pact with them.
During his party’s sixth general council meet, Sarathkumar openly endorsed Haasan as their chief ministerial candidate. Though the allies issued statements confirming that they have struck an alliance with MNM, Haasan kept his cards close to his chest. Even until Sunday, he did not confirm his alliance partners. To become a CM candidate, he has to represent a party that hasn’t won. That rules out DMK, ADMK, and PMK.
Congress and BJP don’t have strong CM candidates, but both the parties are not that strong enough in Tamil Nadu. Even though Kamal’s presence might improve their fortunes, I don’t think Kamal has enough power to pull them through to the finish line. And more importantly, I don’t think Kamal will pick either of the parties to go in the alliance. Above all, any party with Tamil nationalist ideologies will not want him. A new party would be an option. However, he might need a strong ally, maybe the DMK. But if the alliance wins, will he get to be a CM? That is a big doubt.
To become CM, one needs to be the head of the largest party in the Assembly, unless and until his party proves themselves like the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi. AAP did not go in alliance with any political party yet they changed the fate of the Delhi elections.
Also read: Kamal Haasan: Politics is art of the possible
Till now Kamal has been publishing tweets about select incidents. He needs to expand this to get more acceptance. Right now, the view is that he is someone with no political responsibility and uses his popularity to pass his opinions. While there is nothing wrong with it, this approach may not lead to any political dividend. People should feel that he has good ideas about governance and will do better for TN.
No doubt that Hassan and his party will pull crowds and can influence people. He can be suitably rewarded by DMK too, if they end up on the winning side, maybe he can contest in some assembly seat or get some party position.
At this juncture politics of Tamil Nadu is unpredictable, people are in very much confusion and choices are many. The votes are going to get divided.
No one can say for sure if a particular person will become CM or not. How many of us knew the name “Edappadi Pazhanisamy” till he became CM. On the other hand, M.K. Stalin has been on the “Waitlist” for several elections but he could not reach to power.
The political climate in Tamil Nadu may not be sure for Kamal. The BPL people in Tamil Nadu feel happy with every election. Election year is a bonus year for them. Both the Dravidian parties have sensed the mood of the people. They engage people in a different way, and they have many committed voters too. Kamal’s resource factor and mind-set too are different from these two parties. Let Kamal ascertain the mood of the people, by organizing public meetings. Holding office is different from public interaction. He should confirm that he too can take the people with him. So far, he has not tested the people’s support for him. Media hype is not people’s support. Many of the people are influenced by caste and religion, and most of the voting patterns were also such. Support for Kamal may not come from these sectors.
Since Actor Rajinikanth, decided to opt-out of politics, citing health concerns. Kamal Haasan has bright chances of winning a good number of seats. His party to fight in 154 seats in Tamil Nadu, rest for 2 allies. Makkal Needhi Maiam (MKM) announced contesting 154 out of 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The party left the remaining 80 seats for its two alliance partners – All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi and Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi – that will contest on 40 seats each.
Year after year, March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world celebrating the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and other fields. Despite facing N number of challenges either by society or by the family, women have proved their mettle in every sphere. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, we asked women from different fields and walks of life on ‘What Women’s Day means to them?’ Here is what they have to say.
Dr. Shradha Maheshwari, a neurosurgeon from Mumbai said, “Women often undermine their contributions whether it is at home, at work or any other platform. Women’s day is a reminder to women themselves first and then to others that these contributions matter. Let’s acknowledge the fact that every role is significant and get ourselves inspired by women around us who strive in every field to make things better for us.”
“International Women’s Day to me is a day to reflect the many positive changes that have taken place to create equality across. A day where we discuss improvements in women’s lives and continue to make changes being part of the process. Definitely, a day to celebrate the many milestones of those who have achieved in tough and challenging situations. I can proudly say – where there is a woman, there is magic, said Shweta Shah, Founder, and Enabler of The Pahadi Story.
Actress Prachee Shah Paandya said, “For me, Women’s Day is any day that women are celebrated because women deserve an equal future, especially in India, free from stigma, stereotypes, and violence. The day we achieve gender equality, every day will be women’s day.”
“Being a woman means being free to be whoever you want to be with thoughtfulness, grace, and compassion. I love both the innate strength and sensitivity we have as women. A woman can not only succeed in anything she sets her mind to, but also accomplish that while juggling multiple roles. I hope one day I can inspire others to follow their dreams and pursue whatever it is they want to do,” said Ashleysha Yesugade, an entrepreneur and Fashion Model – AAY India.
International dancer Grace Rhodes told us, “There is no limit to how much we can continue to support women and celebrate what we as women are and what we can accomplish. Even in this current time, there is even more reason to celebrate women’s achievements. The colors of international women’s day remind us that purple signifies justice and dignity green symbolises hope. This year’s theme is chosen to challenge with the idea that a challenged world is an alert world.”
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We are strongest when we cheer each other. So, on women’s day I make sure to give a big round of applause to all the women’s in my life who set’s a great example of their success story to me and inspire me to lead my life towards great success,” said Grishma Salgaonkar, CS Executive at BookMyShow.
Nishita Chakroborty, an Archaeology Student and a Dance Teacher by Profession said, “To me, International Women’s Day means acknowledging the women throughout history that have paved the way so women like me can achieve their dreams. These women include my Nani, my mother, my sister, my girlfriends, and all of the other important women that surround my life. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by nurturing, caring, and inspiring women. It’s a day of solidarity for us all to celebrate the social, political, cultural, and economic achievements of women. For me, this day especially acts as an opportunity to reflect and admire my mother. Her constant strength and resilience have helped shape me into the woman I am today.”
Arya Kaimal, client head at Global Image Factory told us, “Growing up with a single mother and an older sister has made me realise that women can do miracles and can fight over any obstacles. They will love you in so many ways that you’ll never find yourself alone or lost. I celebrate women’s day as a token of love for the mother who worked day and night to take care of her children and for my adorable sister for being an amazing mother at a very young age. For me, it’s a day to cherish them and all the lovely ladies to come across for their achievements, strength, and courage. I’ve heard their stories and helplessness yet they smile and bloom so beautifully. Every human being deserves a day to appreciate the little things they have sacrificed for their loved ones and today is the day for all the women out there. You are doing so well! You rock!”
“For me, Women’s day means Strength, Individuality, Love, and Compassion. And I think we should celebrate each day as a women’s day. Cheers to all the ladies who always inspire and motivate me to achieve my future goals. Happy women’s day to all,” said actress Rupali Suri.
Actress Malvi Malhotra said, “I feel women are more sensitive and great creation by God who is wise and who knows to love and make sacrifices. A woman is one who encourages and never gives up. A woman is a goddess in herself because she gives life. A woman is always ahead of what she may or where there is a woman there is magic. More power to all the women in this world. Happy women’s day.”
Radhika Nihalani, Founder and CEO of Think Ink Communications and Think Talkies said, “I really believe there shouldn’t be a reason to have a specific day for women. We must celebrate women and men as well, every day. However, what’s amazing to me about this day is the sisterhood that one gets to witness in and around this day. What all women must do, regardless of the day is support each other, back each other and pull each other up. The empathy that women bring to any relationship is the most beautiful and they need to exercise it the most with other women. I am a strong believer when people support people amazing things happen.”
Aarya Vora, a Travel Vlogger said, “Women’s day is a strong reminder for all the women that you are strong and a symbol of power. Because I have seen a couple of women who thinks that they are women and they have to take permission from their family or to husband to do anything. But I would like to remind them you are an independent person, don’t make yourself dependent. Live your dream the way you want, stay strong and you can do anything. Happy women’s day to all the lovely ladies.”
Singer Savaniee Ravindra said, “According to me every day is women’s day. We should always celebrate love, friendship every day, rather than celebrating it on a particular day. And people should celebrate it every day, every moment as the woman is a reason for this world’s existence. I am really proud to be a woman and I cherish my womanhood every day. Happy women’s day to all the beautiful ladies out there. Keep shining and keep smiling.”
Fitness Enthusiast and Social Media Influencer Ruhi Singh said, “I feel women’s day is a day of celebration of women hood, to and how powerful they are and how they need to celebrate every single day as women’s day. This special day represents us, our superpower, and our capabilities to take care of everything with ease. We should always encourage women as they are the backbone of the nation.”
“It is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the many positive changes that have happened to create equality. It’s a day where we reflect on improvements made for women’s rights and an opportunity to discuss further improvements to gain more equality in society. International Women’s day is about celebrating the power of women. I truly believe that when women support each other incredible things happen”, said actress Meera Chopra.
Simran Choudhary, a singer from Chandigarh said, “I think every day is a women’s day because, without them, you cannot exercise anything. Be it your dependence on a woman for food, an ear to hear your day, a hand to console and support, or a lap to comfy. And all these efforts need recognition and have to be thanked, which certainly shouldn’t be limited to a day but having a day specifically makes it credible and you get to realise how important a woman is to you.”
Actress Sunayana Fozdar said, “I don’t think we should celebrate women’s day only one day. Women should be celebrated respected, loved every day. Women play several roles in life and I think it’s time that we should start loving our self. More power and love for every woman out there. Happy women’s day!”
Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh handed over Hiren Mansukh’s death probe from Mumbai Crime Branch to the state Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). In between, BJP requested the Centre to have the National Investigation Agency (NIA) take over the inquiry, mentioning a possible terror angle. Opposition leader Narayan Rane has also demanded President’s Rule in the state given the reason of poor law and order.
Suvendu Adhikari, a member of the 15th Lok Sabha and the 16th Lok Sabha (2014-2016), as an All-India Trinamool Congress candidate, from Tamluk. Famous for his contribution towards the people of Nandigram under the umbrella of the Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee, when reports of land acquisition for a chemical hub had triggered a movement. Suvendu defeated CPI(M)’s strongman Lakshman Seth by a margin of 1,72,958 votes.