Video Editor: Sandeep Suman
Amid fanfare, actor Kamal Haasan launched his political party, naming it ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam,’ which loosely translates to centre for people’s justice. He also unveiled the party flag, which symbolises the strength of unity.
The actor-turned-politician said:
I am not your leader, I am your tool... this gathering is full of leaders.
The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of the party, with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect, as the huge crowd roared its approval.
The flag, in white background, has six hands joining together with shades of red over three hands and the rest with white. There’s also a star in between surrounded by a star like background in black.
The colours black and white have political significance in Tamil Nadu, which are also the colours used in the flags of the two big parties of the state – the AIADMK and the DMK. The shades are signify the Dravidian ideology.
Citing a Tamil proverb of 'Oru Soru,' which means a small example of a whole lot, Haasan said the launch was just the first step for 'makkal atchi (people's rule).’
Fashioning a white shirt and black trousers, a smiling Haasan arrived on the stage showing the thumbs up sign to announce the party name. His fans had arrived in large numbers for the occasion.
They waved banners sporting popular catch words from his movies like Nammavarey, and placards of Nalai Namathey.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party’s Tamil Nadu incharge Somnath Bharti were also present on the dais. Haasan arrived in Madurai from Rameswaram after visiting former President APJ Abdul Kalam's house, where he sought blessings from the late leader's brother.
(With inputs from PTI)
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