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Tamil Nadu politics have always been dominated by players from the tinsel town. K.Karunanidhi, MG Ramachandran, J Jayalalitha and now, Kamal Haasan.

Actor turned politician, Kamal Haasan formally entered politics and choose the residence of former President late APJ Abdul Kalam's in Rameswaram to kick-start his political journey.The actor sought the blessings of the former President's elder brother and other family members.

'Makkal Neethi Mayyam' - (People’s Justice Centre)

After a lot of false starts, Kamal Haasan has announced his foray into politics and announced the name of his party, "Makkal Neethi Mayyam" at Madurai on Wednesday.

Interestingly Delhi’s chief minister, Arvind Kejriwal was also present when Kamal announced the formation of his party.

The Delhi Chief Minister had flown into the state a couple of minutes earlier and spent a lot of time by the side of Haasan, interacting and listening to his plans.

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Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also sent his wishes through a recorded video message.

With punch lines like,”I am a lamp, and it is up to you to light me,” the versatile actor has once again shown a keen acumen of the pulse of the people. With the absence of J Jayalalitha and M Karunanidhi, a political vacuum has been created, and Kamal Haasan has been quick to capitalize on it.

Fellow politicians skeptical

The political scene in Tamil Nadu has become a little more complex.

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Kamal’s foray into politics has evoked a missed response from his fellow politicians. While DMK leader, MK Stalin compared him with an odorless flower which blooms and wither fast. BJP also made some caustic remarks and said that people who jump suddenly into politics could not be leaders.

AIADMK leader and Minister D. Jayakumar joined Stalin and called Kamal Haasan a modified genetic seed which will not grow. However, Kamal was not perturbed and said that he was a seed and asked people to plant him and he will grow.

Another actor from Tamil Nadu, Rajnikant has also announced his plans to enter politics and has even declared that his party will contest the assembly election. However, Rajnikant despite his immense popularity is not a ‘makkal’ or the son of the state, and this could hamper his ambitions for a place in Tamil Nadu politics.

A large number of people had gathered to hear Mr. Hassan speak. A seemingly pleased Hassan said that this is an example of what can be achieved. He added that he was not a leader but a follower who would listen to suggestions.

Dravidian Honor

Mr. Hassan also talked about Dravidian spirit and unity. This could open a can of worms and also lead to secessionist tendencies. The nation had paid a very high price for indulging with LTTE and other ultra Tamil groups. Another worrying aspect is the emergence of regional parties.

A major part of Southern India is now being ruled by regional parties like Telegu Desam and AIADMK. Regional parties have localized agendas and do not see beyond the boundaries of their state and herein lay the risk. Regional parties do not think in a wider and national perspective.

The Jat agitation, the Akali agitation, Assam stir, Gorkhaland agitation started for obtaining a greater share in the national wealth. However, all these agitations were then hijacked by parties which had a secessionist agenda.

With Kamal joining the political bandwagon, all eyes are now focused on how Rajnikant will orchestrate his plunge into politics. Kamal always stated that Rajnikant is his elder and senior worthy of his respect. However, politics is a strange place where there are strange bedmates. It is not clear if Kamal will align with any other party or will tread the alone and independent path. The coming months will clear the haze and give a better picture.
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