Party's maiden rally success: Kamal Haasan

CHENNAI: Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan on Tuesday claimed “close to one lakh people” attend the launch of his new political party in Madurai last week. Kamal, who had last week refused to give a specific number saying he would come out with the figure only after a scientific analysis of how many people were present at the Othakadai public meeting, said in a statement here that the rally was a “success.”

The actor-activist had on Wednesday last launched his Makkal Needhi Maiam, promising an administration free of corruption, nepotism and freebies. The actor had also promised to forger closer ties with all neighbouring states in southern India. “A big vanakkam to each one of close to one lakh participants who thronged the launch venue, for their participation and cooperation,” Kamal said in the statement, expressing gratitude to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Farmers' association leader P. R. Pandian and Delhi MLA Somnath Bharti for their participation.

“We express our gratitude to all the participants who exhibited exemplary energy and discipline. At the outset, we dedicate the success of the launch to the people of Madurai. We also thank the office-bearers, secretaries and members of the Narpani Iyakkam,” the actor said. Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the Chennai airport on his arrival from Mumbai, the actor condemned playing of a religious song at an official event at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras. “This is my personal opinion. If you want my party's opinion, you may have to wait. The party's opinion can be aired only when I elicit views of all my colleagues,” he said. The actor also said the state government should take steps to ensure that workers from here don't end up in jails in neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh.