Why build ₹1000cr parl complex: Kamal to PM

Why build ₹1000cr parl complex: Kamal to PM

Sets Off Poll Campaign At Madurai

Devanathan.Veerappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai/Madurai:  14.12.2020

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spell out the rationale behind constructing a new Parliament building for about Rs 1,000 crore “when half of India is hungry due to loss of livelihoods triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic”. He was speaking to reporters in Chennai before leaving for Madurai to launch his political campaign.

Comparing its proposed construction to that of the Great Wall of China, he said “thousands of people perished” during its construction, but the dragon nation rulers said the wall was to 'guard' the people. Asked whether MNM will join hands with ‘Aanmeega Arasiyal’ (referring to actor Rajinikanth’s preference for spiritual politics), Kamal said, “Let me reiterate. Alliances will break up and new alliances will emerge. That’s all I can say now.”

Later, addressing cadres at Madurai to set off the campaign for the 2021 assembly election, the actor-turnedpolitician promised to make Madurai the second capital of Tamil Nadu if they came to power. Kamal said it was former chief minister MGR’s dream to make Madurai great. “I am an extension of MGR and I will take up the job of making Madurai great again. It is time to dump those who failed to make MGR’s vision come true,” he said.

In the last 50 years the cultural city has gone to ruins at the hands of corrupt politicians. He could see only bad roads, stagnating sewage and rain water and piling garbage when he went around the city. “There will be jallikattu in January in Madurai. In May, there will be fights with corrupt people. I am ready for it and you should also be ready for it,” he said. “Youths should join our party. Those who have already joined should go door-to-door to reach out to people,” he said.

As for the party’s election manifesto, ideology and strategies, he said the only answer for all these questions is honesty. “Corrupt politicians have stashed thousands of crores in shell companies in foreign nations. If they stop stealing, there will be enough money to develop three Tamil Nadus,” said Kamal Haasan.

Asked about the focus of his party's campaign, he said it was to usher in a totally transformed Tamil Nadu. Answering a question on why he entered politics, he said people of Tamil Nadu celebrated him from the age of five. His did not want to simply thank the people for what they gave him and move away even after seeing poor people struggle. When asked whether he will implement total prohibition, he said it was “a failed concept”. But, private players should be allowed to sell it and not the government which has to concentrate on people’s welfare.

Kamal Haasan during a rally at Avaniyapuram in Madurai on Sunday