Last Update: February 19, 2023, 23:32 IST
Kamal Haasan (Image: News18)
Makkal Needhi Maiam founder and veteran actor Kamal Haasan pitches for Congress victory in upcoming Erode (East) by-election
Pitching for a Congress victory in the upcoming Erode (East) by-election, Makkal Needhi Maiam founder and veteran actor Kamal Haasan on Sunday said he would contest to “save the country from people who are trying to lease some people”. are supporting.
The actor-turned-politician campaigned for DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance candidate EVKS Elangovan in Erode, who will go to polls on February 27, at a meeting near the Gandhi statue at Karungalpalayam in the district.
Congress leader Elangovan is up against AIADMK’s KS Thennarasu, while Seeman’s namesake Tamizhar Katchi and actor Vijayakanth’s DMDK candidates are also in the fray.
“For the first time, I am seeking votes for a symbol of another political party. This is not for any profit, but because of the desire to save the country from those who are trying to give the country on lease to some people,” said MNM founder Haasan in an indirect reference to the BJP rule at the Center The saffron party is supporting the AIADMK candidate in the bypoll.
The actor said: “I am Elangovan, also a ‘grandson’ of the late rationalist leader EVR Periyar, like the candidate. I am strictly following the ideals of Periyar.” A huge crowd thronged the gathering to have a glimpse of the multiple National Award-winning actor.
Recalling the time when his film ‘Vishwaroopam’ faced trouble getting released in 2013, Haasan said: “When I was making Vishwaroopam, I received several grudges from a woman (late CM J. Clear reference to Jayalalithaa), but voluntarily Dr Kalaignar (former CM M Karunanidhi) called me and wanted to help me. I appreciated the DMK leader’s generosity, but I didn’t take his help.” Appreciating Karunanidhi’s attitude while in power, the actor indicated that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin is also generous in helping people, especially women.
Thirumahan Evra’s father, Congress candidate Elangovan, whose death recently necessitated the bypoll, first met Haasan and sought support, following which the MNM decided to back the former TNCC president. Evra, the great-grandson of rationalist leader ‘Periyar’ EV Ramasamy, was elected as the MLA from the constituency in 2021.
The results of the by-election will come on March 2.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)