Actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has confirmed that his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam or MNM, will contest in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
“I will definitely contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections”, Haasan said in his announcement, adding, “A committee would soon start choosing candidates.”
The 64-year-old actor also declared that he was open to forging alliances with like-minded parties, but “it was too soon to say if they would lead the alliance or be part of another one”. He also mentioned that the party had authorised him to take decisions on alliance related matters. But he also asserted, “We will not ally with any party which is desperate to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu.”
Haasan had launched Makkal Needhi Maiam in February this year. He has said that the party’s focus will be on ‘Tamil Nadu’s development’.
Haasan had previously ruled out any alliance with the DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) or AIADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam). He has been critical of the AIADMK government and has had issues with state ministers with relation to corruption. He came out strongly against the government for its handling of the anti-Sterlite protests. Besides, he had also said “my colour is not saffron”, a jibe against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Last month, on his 64th birthday, Haasan had announced that MNM was ready to contest in the by-elections for the 20 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, whenever they are held.