Kamal Haasan questions Tamil Nadu's COVID-19 data, launches people’s campaign to resurrect Chennai

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Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan alleged that there was a contrast in the COVID-19 data being shared by the Tamil Nadu government while interacting with journalists through a video conference. The actor, however, refused to take questions pertaining to his allegations, possible testing strategies, or his ‘Naame Theervu’ (We are the solution) initiative that is aimed at changing Chennai into a green Zone from its current Red Zone status. 

In a video message, he said that there was no use in plate banging when migrant workers were starving to death and frontline COVID-19 fighters such as medical staff and police are battling it out. “This is not the time for criticism or petty politics. We need strong and measured actions, Chennai is our healthcare capital, don’t let it become a Corona capital,” he said.

The ‘Naame Theervu’ (we are the solution) campaign launched by him calls forth an army of volunteers (irrespective of their differences and political affiliation) to join in for activities ranging from donating to delivering relief materials to the needy. The actor himself was the first to register for his campaign via a phone call to 6369811111. 

A statement from his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), says that “When each fo us saves one person, no one will be left behind. People are the solution to those who need medical assistance, safety equipment, sanitizers, food, and rations. Sanitiser dispensers will be kept at places where people gather frequently, masks will be distributed as well. We need the participation and contribution of volunteers to take this forward.”

Haasan further said that some states such as Kerala, Karnataka, and Odisha had seen partial victory in the battle against Coronavirus while accepting that it seems like it (Corona wave) would keep recurring. No government could fight corona alone and emphasized the need for people and volunteers to pitch in. 

Adding that he was not saying this for political mileage, the actor said, “There is no transparency in what they(State government) are saying, we are not able to clearly see the numbers. The numbers shared by the government and the numbers on the street are contrasting. We are concerned about the Chennai situation and doing our best about it”. 

Neither the actor nor his team responded to journalists' questions on whether this campaign would be extended to Chennai’s neighboring districts (Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu) which are also badly affected with COVID-19 cases. 

When questioned about comparing the Covid-19 situation in Tamil Nadu and Kerala (a relatively smaller state with lesser population and population density), there was no response. 

Kamal Haasan also did not respond to the question if he had discussed with his panel of medical experts regarding the possibility of pooled testing and suggested any strategy in this regard to the government. The video conference was ended stating a paucity of time.