‘Party Ready To Face By-Polls’: Kamal Haasan’s U-Turn As Actor Backtracks On Previous Statement

Tamil actor-turned politician Kamal Haasan has said that his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, is ready to contest in the upcoming by-elections on 20 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu, whenever the election is conducted. Kamal earlier stated that his party would be prepared for the 2019 general elections but was not in a mindset to contest the by-polls, as reported by NDTV.

"Nobody knows whether the by-elections will be held. But we are ready to contest whenever they take place," Kamal Haasan said. "I am not the one who believes in making promises. I am seeking suggestions from people," he added.

The decision made by the Madras High Court to uphold the disqualification of the 18 rebel AIADMK MLAs may lead to by-elections adding to the two seats already lying vacant due the demise of DMK supremo M Karunanidhi and AIADMK’s A K Bose.

Kamal launched his party with the motive of helping the people gain ‘justice’ as represented by the name of his party. The AIADMK government has come under a lot of fire from the actor recently as he frequently attacked the government on key issues like the government’s handling of the Sterlite protests.