Arvind Kejriwal inspires me, says anti-corruption "politiculturist" Kamal Haasan
What's the story
Kamal Haasan, actor turned "politiculturist," was in Delhi last week to register his party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM). On the trip, he met the Gandhis of the Congress, but in an interview with HT, he says it is Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who inspires him. For now, his goal is to remove Tamil Nadu (TN)'s biggest problem: corruption.
Beginning
Haasan entered politics when he saw no change in TN
Talking about his aims, Haasan says he decided to enter politics since despite promises, he had seen no change in TN since teenage. The main issue was corruption, he adds. This he got to experience when he opened a film company and ended up suing the state government after "political pressures." Both DMK and AIADMK, TN's two major parties, are corrupt, he says.
Timing
The timing of his entry was an "opportune moment"
His entry into politics happened at an "opportune moment," Haasan says. Before, he was doing his bit by making his films political, although subliminally. Even then, the late Jayalalithaa and the eclipsed Karunanidhi had tried to "crush" him, and he took them on. Now, TN's bipolar polity is dying out. "I think it's good because bipolar politics is a reason why MNNM is advocating centrism."
Ideas
His influence will gain him followers, Haasan believes
Haasan believes that since "it's the taxpayer who fills the coffers when an avaricious politician empties it," they can fund his party without letting corruption reign. His identity will help draw people, he says; 37 years ago, his fan club was turned into the 'Welfare Movement,' which expanded from 50,000 to 15L people. With Bigg Boss, he is reaching out to 5.2cr people weekly.
Inspiration
He has met some inspiring guides along the way
Inspiring him are people like Kejriwal, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, and AP CM Chandrababu Naidu, among others. "We aren't very similar, but I am inspired by Kejriwal." "I also look up to Pinarayi Vijayan...A lot of work has been done by him." As for Naidu, he's doing "a different kind of good for people. He started from scratch and he is building very fast."
BJP
'BJP is trampling on out diversity'
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the BJP, Haasan says, which is propagating a "monoculture." "Our diversity unites us. The BJP is trampling on this idea." "Mahatma Gandhi was Mahatma Gandhi for the whole nation. We did not look at him as a North Indian." Haasan also called for diversity in religion. "Where is the word 'Hindu' mentioned in the Vedas?"
Plans
Haasan insists he is open to alliances
Regarding his political plans, Haasan's party is currently working on its manifesto, "which should be out soon." "But will have to see what kind of alliances take place. We are centrists and open to ideas, but this doesn't mean we will swing either way," he says. Rajinikanth, even DMK could be an option, he admits insisting "we are realists."