Kamal Haasan launches his political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiyam': Here are the highlights

By Chennabasaveshwar

Updated: Thursday, February 22, 2018, 8:25 [IST]

Big day in Tamil Nadu politics. Actor Kamal Haasan launched his political party in the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu Madurai. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and AAP Tamil Nadu in charge Somnath Bharti were present in the historic moment. Kamal Haasan started his day with the visit to late president APJ Abdul Kalam's home in Rameswaram and sought blessings from Abdul Kalam's brother.

Kamal Haasan launches his political party 'Makkal Needhi Maiyam'

Kamal has named his party 'Makkal Needhi Maiyam'. Also, tweeted his official website name 'Maiam' and asked his supporters to join in. His official Twitter handle @maiamofficial has ready got 7000 followers. One can also follow his paprty on facebook: @maiamofficial.

Haasan said, "I am entering politics only because the ruling AIADMK party is bad, that is why I am not meeting any of them.''

Haasan told media that he would launch his political party and unfurl party flag and declare the ideas and ideology of my political journey.

Haasan had earlier said that he would start touring Tamil Nadu, beginning with his hometown in Ramanathapuram, on February 21. Kamal had also said that he would reveal the name of his party on the same day. He calls this tour a "journey of discovery" during which he will attempt to "understand people's needs and aspirations".

Feb 21, 2018, 8:34 PM IST

People of Delhi rejected both BJP and Congress and gave us 67 seats, the kind of response I am seeing here I am sure people of Tamil Nadu will break record of people of Delhi, said Arvind Kejriwal in Madurai

Feb 21, 2018, 8:33 PM IST

Kamal’s daughter Shruti Haasan has wished her father “all the success on his first step of a million more toward change and political reform”. Quoting his ‘favourite’ Mahatma Gandhi, she tweeted, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” “I’m certain your determination and perseverance toward truth and justice we have witnessed in our family, will now be seen by everyone in our wonderful home of Tamil Nadu,” she wrote.

1/1 Wishing my dear father all the success on his first step of a million more toward change and political reform - to quote your favourite mahatma Gandhi “be the change you wish to see in the world “ I’m certain your determination and perseverance toward truth and justice cont’d
— shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 8:22 PM IST

Kamal Haasan said that those present for the launch of his political party must be an example to the present day political system. “I will be seeking your suggestion rather than giving you speeches. I have shown you a morsel of the government I can cook for people here. The people who have gathered here are people who have enraged by the corruption prevalent in the state," he says.

Feb 21, 2018, 7:45 PM IST

Kamal Haasan thanks Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal for attending the launch and invites him on stage.

Delhi CM @ArvindKejriwal joins us for the launch of our party. #MakkalNeedhiMaiam #maiam #isupportkamal pic.twitter.com/SwqstCFXy3
— Makkal Needhi Maiam (@maiamofficial) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 7:43 PM IST

Make this noise once I announce the name. This is a party for the people. I am not a leader. The name of the party is 'Makkal Needhi Maiyam' says Kamal Haasan

The newly founded MAKKAL NEEDHI MAIAM is your party. It’s here to stay, and to make the change we all aspire for. Guide us to serve you. #maiam #makkalneedhimaiam
official website: https://t.co/cql8kgqGkk
fb: https://t.co/2Gz1xRg5vf
twitter: https://t.co/J9ywXrunOb pic.twitter.com/Xza62w4DcC
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 7:42 PM IST

This is not a one day thing. This is a long term goal, says Kamal Haasan

Feb 21, 2018, 7:33 PM IST

Rock star welcome to Kamal Haasan. He begins his speech.

Feb 21, 2018, 7:14 PM IST

Venue of public meeting in Madurai. Visual of people waiting for Kamal Haasan's arrival.

#KamalHaasan Public meeting @ madurai 💪#KamalPartyLaunch #KamalHaasanPoliticalEntry #NaalaiNamadhe pic.twitter.com/KxOL817gYt
— KamalHaasan - KamalismForever (@KamalismForever) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 7:11 PM IST

Kamal Haasan, Arvind Kejriwal on route to Othakadai ground

Feb 21, 2018, 6:48 PM IST

Kamal Haasan on the way to venue, according to Tamil media.

Feb 21, 2018, 6:46 PM IST

A twitter handle following the developments of today's mega event posted a picture of the venue in Madurai

Feb 21, 2018, 6:09 PM IST

TOI reports that Madurai wears a festive look, with enthusiastic fans dancing to the beats of 'Parai'. Several groups are performing one after another and keeping audience engaged.

🔥 Latest 🔥

Pictures from #Madurai #kamalhaasan #maiam #isupportkamal #KamalPartyLaunch pic.twitter.com/WtBLiCke8A
— Kamal Haasan Fans (@KamalHaasanFans) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 5:35 PM IST

In Tamil Nadu, politicians have always considered Madurai important.They are rarely considered powerful until and unless they have a hold on Madurai

Feb 21, 2018, 5:27 PM IST

Kamal Haasan heads to Madurai for 'big event'. Kamal will receive Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal at airport.

Feb 21, 2018, 3:33 PM IST

Supporters surround Kamal Haasan's car in Paramakudi. He addressed the crowd from his car.

[PICS] #Nammavar @IKamalHaasan meets supporters in Paramakudi.#KamalHaasanPoliticalEntry #Ulaganayagan #KamalPartyLaunch pic.twitter.com/yOUllRhvw0
— Diehard Kamalians (@DiehardKamalian) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 3:25 PM IST

A fan from London flew in for Kamal Haasan's major political entry, reports Times Now

Feb 21, 2018, 3:19 PM IST

Kamal Haasan gets rousing welcome in Paramakudi, his native town

Feb 21, 2018, 3:11 PM IST

Huge crowd expected at the Madurai function

#KamalPartyLaunch #KamalHaasan #KamalHaasanPoliticalEntry
Just a sample of the huge crowd expected at the madurai function#aandavarmass pic.twitter.com/s1gqfP75ZS
— NETIZEN (@CITI_ZEN555) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 3:07 PM IST

Kamal Haasan arrives in Ramanathapuram, reports NDTV

Feb 21, 2018, 1:56 PM IST

Not much political space for Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu: Congress leader Veerappa Moily

Feb 21, 2018, 1:55 PM IST

Earlier Kamal Haasan visited Kalam Memorial in Ramanathapuram in TamilNadu.

Kamal Haasan visits Kalam Memorial in Ramanathapuram in #TamilNadu. pic.twitter.com/nWOOgexDPj
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 11:08 AM IST

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu spoke to Kamal Haasan over phone Tuesday night. "He (Naidu) wanted me to offer solutions to problems than mere policies," says Kamal

Feb 21, 2018, 11:03 AM IST

Kama Haasan says,"My political journey begins. Serving people is my priority. I live in people's hearts."

Feb 21, 2018, 10:56 AM IST

Kamal says, "since he couldn't speak to them properly at Ganesh Mahal due to media presence, he will speak to them separately again.

Feb 21, 2018, 10:55 AM IST

On Kalam, Kamal says,"The former president was a great source of inspiration for him."

Feb 21, 2018, 10:55 AM IST

Haasan says he hopes to hoist his party flag in front of all his supporters in Madurai.

Feb 21, 2018, 10:53 AM IST

Kamal Haasan address media in Rameswaram

Feb 21, 2018, 10:29 AM IST

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wishes Kamal Haasan on his party launch

All the best to @ikamalhaasan who has finally taken the plunge into TN politics. No doubt he is doing it with intention of improving public life in TN, which desperately needs something far better than what DMK, ADMK, Cong & BJP have to offer. He will need expert advice on policy
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 10:27 AM IST

Cricketer R Ashwin tweeted as Kamal Haasan is set to launch his political party.

A day where another superstar actor from TN launches his political party this evening. The political landscape is set for a massive change? #KamalHaasan
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 10:10 AM IST

Kamal Haasan to address media at Hyatt before leaving for Kalam's memorial

Feb 21, 2018, 8:30 am IST

Hours before launching his political party, veteran actor Kamal Haasan visits the residence of former President APJ Abdul Kalam in Rameswaram and interacts with his family members.

Feb 21, 2018, 8:31 am IST

Kamal Haasan briefly interacted with Kalam's brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar, reports PTI.

Feb 21, 2018, 8:34 am IST

The actor cancels his visit to a school after the local administration reportedly denied him permission to visit it.

Feb 21, 2018, 8:35 am IST

Hindu Munnani District President had given a letter to Rameswaram collector against Kamal Haasan's scheduled visit to the school where former President APJ Abdul Kalam studied.

Feb 21, 2018, 8:37 am IST

Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram.

Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/m8NxR8V8he
— ANI (@ANI) 21 February 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 8:37 am IST

Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram.

Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan leaves after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house in Rameswaram. pic.twitter.com/m8NxR8V8he
— ANI (@ANI) 21 February 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 8:53 am IST

Arrangements are in place for the fisherman convention

#KamalHaasanPoliticalEntry #KamalHaasan #NaalaiNamadhe #KamalPartyLaunch.. Fisherman.. Meeting. pic.twitter.com/zuLCBBN8eX
— தமிழக முதல்வர் கமல் (@tncmkamal) 21 February 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 8:54 am IST

"Greatness can come from the simplest of houses and this is one of them. I am touched, says Haasan after visiting APJ Abdul Kalam's house and meeting his brother, sister-in-law in Rameswaram

Feb 21, 2018, 8:56 am IST

Kamal Haasan briefly interacts with Kalam's brother Mohammed Muthumeera Lebbai Maraikkayar in Rameswaram. Pic courtesy: ANI news

Feb 21, 2018, 9:08 am IST

Former President APJ Abdul Kalam's elder brother blesses Kamal Haasan.

🔥 Exclusive 🔥#APJAbdulKalam Elder Brother Blessed #Nammavar for his Political Entry.#KamalPartyLaunch #kamalhaasan #maiam #isupportkamal pic.twitter.com/enxNNFr1ar
— Kamal Haasan Fans (@KamalHaasanFans) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 9:25 am IST

This is the schedule of Kamal Haasan's political events today. Courtesy: @MirchiOffl

Feb 21, 2018, 9:34 am IST

Kamal Haasan begins interaction with fishermen at Ganesh Mahal in Rameswaram

Feb 21, 2018, 9:44 am IST

Kamal Haasan to fshermen: "Fishing is one of the most important livelihood options in Tamil Nadu, That's why I have come to visit you. I want to understand your issues and take it forward."

Feb 21, 2018, 10:05 am IST

When asked about the probability of success of his new political party in Tamil Nadu, Kamal Haasan said,"You will know when I make it a success."

Feb 21, 2018, 10:09 am IST

"Different governments have made different promises and then when people ask why the promises are not met, they bring different problems in front of them," NDTV quoted Kamal Haasan as saying.

Feb 21, 2018, 10:10 am IST

Kamal Haasan to address media at Hyatt before leaving for Kalam's memorial

Feb 21, 2018, 10:27 am IST

Cricketer R Ashwin tweeted as Kamal Haasan is set to launch his political party.

A day where another superstar actor from TN launches his political party this evening. The political landscape is set for a massive change? #KamalHaasan
— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 10:29 am IST

Lawyer Prashant Bhushan wishes Kamal Haasan on his party launch

All the best to @ikamalhaasan who has finally taken the plunge into TN politics. No doubt he is doing it with intention of improving public life in TN, which desperately needs something far better than what DMK, ADMK, Cong & BJP have to offer. He will need expert advice on policy
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 10:53 am IST

Kamal Haasan address media in Rameswaram

Feb 21, 2018, 10:55 am IST

Haasan says he hopes to hoist his party flag in front of all his supporters in Madurai.

Feb 21, 2018, 10:55 am IST

On Kalam, Kamal says,"The former president was a great source of inspiration for him."

Feb 21, 2018, 10:56 am IST

Kamal says, "since he couldn't speak to them properly at Ganesh Mahal due to media presence, he will speak to them separately again.

Feb 21, 2018, 11:03 am IST

Kama Haasan says,"My political journey begins. Serving people is my priority. I live in people's hearts."

Feb 21, 2018, 11:08 am IST

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu spoke to Kamal Haasan over phone Tuesday night. "He (Naidu) wanted me to offer solutions to problems than mere policies," says Kamal

Feb 21, 2018, 1:55 pm IST

Earlier Kamal Haasan visited Kalam Memorial in Ramanathapuram in TamilNadu.

Kamal Haasan visits Kalam Memorial in Ramanathapuram in #TamilNadu. pic.twitter.com/nWOOgexDPj
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 1:56 pm IST

Not much political space for Haasan's party in Tamil Nadu: Congress leader Veerappa Moily

Feb 21, 2018, 3:07 pm IST

Kamal Haasan arrives in Ramanathapuram, reports NDTV

Feb 21, 2018, 3:11 pm IST

Huge crowd expected at the Madurai function

#KamalPartyLaunch #KamalHaasan #KamalHaasanPoliticalEntry
Just a sample of the huge crowd expected at the madurai function#aandavarmass pic.twitter.com/s1gqfP75ZS
— NETIZEN (@CITI_ZEN555) February 21, 2018

Feb 21, 2018, 3:19 pm IST

Kamal Haasan gets rousing welcome in Paramakudi, his native town

Feb 21, 2018, 3:25 pm IST

A fan from London flew in for Kamal Haasan's major political entry, reports Times Now

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