Kamal Haasan launches his political party: As it happened

Superstar Kamal Haasan's is set to begin his journey on Wednesday as he is likely to launch his political party in Madurai. In an action-packed event, which will be attended by top political leaders and public figures, the actor who has made a mark in Tamil as well as Indian film industry, will announce his party's ideologies, apart from revealing party's name and flag.

Pic courtesy: Twitter/@maiamofficial

Madurai: Actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday launched his political party, naming it "Makkal Needhi Mayyam," and unveiled its flag that symbolises the strength of unity.

"I am not your leader, I am your tool... This gathering is full of leaders," he said moments before announcing the party's name that roughly translates to "Centre for People's Justice."

The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of his party with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect as the huge crowd roared its approval.

Citing a Tamil proverb of 'Oru Soru,' which means a small example of a whole lot, he said the launch was just the first step for 'makkal atchi,' (people's rule).

Clad in a white shirt and black trousers, a smiling Haasan arrived on the stage showing the thumbs up sign to his fans who had arrived in large numbers to announce the party name.

21 February 2018

20:57 IST

People ask me what is this 'Maiam' and if I am left or right? That is why I kept the name 'Maiam', which means centre. Six hands in my party symbol represent six states, star in the middle represents people, says Haasan. 

20:57 IST

People ask about my ideology, here it is -good quality education must reach all,  and religious games played on us must be stopped.corruption has to be eradicated, says Haasan.