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.
Congratulations on bringing out a balanced editorial.
The plus point for Kamal Hassan is that he starts the political assignment with a free baggage. There is no scam or corruption charges against him. He has nothing to lose.
It’s like Ravichandran Ashwin coming to bat at no..7 for Team India. Even if he gets out, nothing much will be discussed about it, as the earlier senior players failed to perform. But Remember, Ashwin, of late, has been performing consistently.
Who knows! Good luck for Kamal to bloom!