Johnson Cherian.
On Independence Day, film actor Kamal Haasan sought to escalate his criticism of the AIADMK government by asking for the resignation of Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
Responding swiftly to Mr. Haasan’s tweets, Dairy Development Minister K.T. Rajenthra Bhalaji and A. Anwhar Raajhaa, a Member of Parliament of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK – Amma), said the actor was issuing “sweeping statements”. Both said Mr. Haasan’s remarks were filmy and not specific.
In his first tweet, Mr. Haasan said: “If one State’s CM should resign for a mishap & corruption under his govt. How come no party calls for resignation in TN. Enough crimes done.”
In a subsequent tweet, he stated, “My aim is a better Tamilnadu. Who dares to strengthen my voice? DMK, AIADMK & parties R tools to help. If those tools R blunt find others.” In his third tweet, which was in Tamil, he said that “unless we liberate ourselves from corruption, we are all slaves. Let those persons who have the guts to pledge themselves to the new freedom struggle come forward. Let us win [the struggle].”
Animosity
Mr. Raajhaa, who represents Ramanathapuram, charged that the actor was nursing a “feeling of animosity” against the ruling party. Keeping in mind the experience he had at the time of the launch of his film ‘Vishwaroopam’ four years ago, he was “opposing us blindly”, said Mr. Raajhaa.
Actor Kamal Haasan could not do anything when Jayalalithaa was Chief Minister. Now, seeing an opportunity, he was seeking “revenge on the AIADMK”, said Mr. Rajhaa.
