Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Sunday joined the Erode East bypoll campaign, though not for his own party. The veteran actor, who had recently met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, canvassed for ruling DMK-headed Secular Progressive Alliance candidate and EVKS Elangovan.
Since its inception in 2018, Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has competed in every poll, including the 2021 Assembly elections, by itself. This will be the first time MNM is supporting another party in an electoral campaign.
Elangovan, the Congress leader, is competing against K S Thennarasu of the AIADMK; Seeman's Naam Tamizhar Katchi and actor Vijayakanth's DMDK candidates are also running.
Haasan said he was supporting the Congress candidate in the upcoming Erode (East) bypoll to "save the nation from people trying to lease it to some persons".
"For the first time, I am seeking votes for another political party's symbol. This is not for any benefit, but because of the desire to save the nation from those who are trying to lease the country to some persons," Haasan said in an indirect reference to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime at the Centre. The BJP is supporting the AIADMK candidate in the bypoll.
"I am also a 'grandson' of late rationalist leader EVR Periyar like Elangovan, the candidate. I am strictly following the ideals of Periyar," he said.
A huge crowd had thronged the meeting to catch a glimpse of the multiple National Award-winning actor.
"When I was making Vishwaroopam, I was disturbed by a woman (an apparent reference to late CM J Jayalalithaa), but voluntarily Dr Kalaignar (former CM M Karunanidhi) called me and wanted to help me out. I appreciated the generosity of the DMK leader but I did not take his help," Haasan.
The actor lauded Karunanidhi's attitude while in power and indicated that Tamil Nadu Chief Minster MK Stalin is also generous in helping the people, especially women.
Congress candidate Elangovan, father of Thirumahan Everaa, whose death recently necessitated the bypoll, had earlier met Haasan and sought support following which MNM decided to back the former TNCC president. Everaa, the great grandson of rationalist leader 'Periyar' EV Ramasamy, was elected as MLA from the constituency in 2021.
The bypoll result will be out on March 2.
(With inputs from PTI)
