Another star jumps on to TN political bandwagon

Chennai, May 1 (UNI) In the star-struck world of politics in Tamil Nadu, another matinee idol, popular hero Sarath Kumar is all set to launch a new political party, laying claim to the Kamaraj legacy and promising to provide ''clean and decent'' politics.

Two days after he got up a mammoth function to lay the foundation stone for the construction of a mega memorial for late Congress stalwart K Kamaraj, the former Chief Minister at his birthplace in Virudhunagar, the actor today announced that he has made up his mind to launch a political party.

The memorial for Kamaraj also has another significance, in that Sarath belongs to the same 'Nadar' community from which the 'simpleton' Kamaraj also hails.

''We never had an intention of launching a party when we organised the foundation stone laying ceremony, but after seeing the tremendous response, we thought we should guide the youth, the force of the future by launching a political party and harness their support'' Sarath Kumar told UNI.

In an informal talk at his Kottivakkam residence here, he said the ''core committee'', comprising leaders of his fan clubs and various organisations of Nadar community had a detailed discussion this morning and decided to launch a political party.

''Most probably, we will announce the name of the party, flag and other details after August or by the end of this year. ''Our objective is very clear. We want to enlighten the present generation, on the legacy of Kamaraj, the tallest leader in Indian politics and the need to bring back ''Kamaraj rule''.

The younger generation was totally disillusioned about the present ''corrupt politics''. They were looking for a change and pledge their support for clean politics, he claimed.

His proposed party would be one with a difference, laying emphasis on clean, corruption free and transparent politics, he said.

''Our party will emerge as a force to reckon with in the future and provide an alternative to the two Dravidian parties, which had been at the helm of affairs in the state after the fall of Congress regime in the 1960s, he said.

After having been in the company of the two dominant Dravidian parties, the DMK, of which he was a Rajya Sabha MP and the AIADMK, the actor, admits that launching a political party is not an easy task, but he is determined to move forward.

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