Film star Sarath Kumar to launch new party in TN

Chennai, July 14 (UNI) Birthday boy and actor-turned-politician Sarath Kumar today announced that he would launch his new political party in October this year.

Talking to newspersons at his residence on the occasion of his birthday, he said the name of the party and its policies would be announced after the Independence day.

''I will not use my fans' association flag for my political party and the party's name would convey religious equality,'' he said.

Works has commenced for the launch of the party, he said adding all his fans were not politically literate, hence efforts were on to educate them. ''The office-bearers of my fans associations have been entrusted with the job', he added.

The macho actor said ''unlike other parties, we have started the process of selecting the office-bearers for the party even before it is launched.'' He said his party would reflect the public opinion and strive for upholding the principles of democracy.

Denying rumours that his political outfit would strive for the uplift of a particular community, Sarath Kumar, hailing from the dominant Nadar community in the south, said his party would embrace people of all religions. ''Equality will prevail'', he said.

The actor had decided to float his own party to propagate the ideals of late Chief Minister K Kamaraj after severing his ties with the DMK and later with the AIADMK On the recent killing of DMK Sivaganga Municipality Chairman in a bomb blast, he said, ''this has raised questions over the security of commonman in the State. Police should be more vigilant and bring the culprits to book''.

On the occasion of his birthday, Sarath Kumar thanked all his fans, well-wishers, producers and directors, who had helped him to sustain him in the industry.

Earlier, he performed special poojas at a temple and distributed financial assistance to the poor and the needy.

UNI