Actor Karthik goes the Vijaykant, Sarathkumar way

Chennai, June 9 (UNI) Now, it is the turn of actor M Karthik, who had a brief stint at the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) before being ousted, to launch a new political party in Tamil Nadu.

Announcing the launch of the party here, the actor, son of late actor Muthuraman, said protecting the rights and privileges of the people would be the prime objective of the party.

A fortnight after he was ousted from the AIFB, Mr Karthik, hailing from the Thevar community, a dominant factor in south Tamil Nadu, named the party 'All India Nadaalum Makkal Katchi' (AINMK).

Displaying the tri-colour party flag with red, white and yellow hues, he said the colours signified sacrifice made by the people, peace and prosperity. The flag had the portrait of freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar at the top right corner.

The party would adopt new strategies and find new ways to protect the rights of the people and serve them, he said, adding that it was unfortunate that even 61 years after independence, the benefits have not reached the people.

''We will do what people need. Whatever people need, our party will do,'' he said.

Stating that office bearers have been appointed for 12 districts, Mr Karthik said he would soon announce the date and venue for the party's first conference. It would be held either in Tirunelveli or Madurai.

Rejecting a suggestion that the party was caste based, he said ''we are here to serve the people of all sections, following the footsteps of Muthuramalinga Thevar, who stood as a national leader.

The party would not be community based.'' To a question, Mr Karthik said he would continue to act in films and justified people from the film industry entering politics. They were also trying to help the people, he said, when asked about actors Vijaykant and Sarathkumar launching political parties.

Mr Karthik, who was the State President of the AIFB, was removed from the post for ''not guiding the party in the right direction''.

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