Kamal Haasan’s political party Makkal Needhi Maiam has been given the torchlight symbol by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The actor responded with a tweet saying, “MNM thanks the Election Commission for granting us the “Battery Torch” symbol for the forthcoming elections. So appropriate. MNM will endeavour to be the “torch-bearer” for a new era in TN and Indian politics.”
MNM thanks the Election commision for granting us the "Battery Torch" symbol for the forthcoming elections. So appropriate. @maiamofficial will endeavour to be the “Torch-Bearer” for a new era in TN and Indian politics.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) March 10, 2019
In February, Kamal Haasan announced that his party would contest alone in all 40 constituencies in the state. The actor said he was not ready to “carry the burden of others” for the sake of an alliance.
The Vishwaroopam star spoke at length about his political plans and ambitions in a ToI interview. When asked if he would contest alone, the actor replied, “It is a possibility. But we should also consider why we should go for that possibility. If at all our strength can be multiplied, if there is a sure chance of success, then there should be a right alliance.” In the end, he also added, “At the same time, I cannot carry the burden of others. There shouldn’t be any stain on us because of an alliance.”
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If presented with a choice of either joining hands with DMK or contesting against them, the actor said he’d go with the latter option. “We would rather contest alone. We are very clear on it. No change in this stand. We don’t want to lie, neither are we scared to say sorry.” He added that the elections were an opportunity for him to bring changes to the state and he did not wish to sacrifice that for the sake of seat sharing.
For each of the 40 seats, Haasan plans to field candidates between the age group of 25 and 40. “They should be educated. I want a group of people who can take this forward. There is no point in having a 63-year-old with 70-year-olds around him.”
Recently, actress Kovai Sarala announced that she was joining MNM. The elections are expected to happen in April or May this year.