Kamal Haasan urges people to join hands against corruption

Addressing a public gathering after launching his political party 'Makkal Neethi Maiam (Peoples' Justice Forum)' here last night, the versatile actor said his prime aim was to make the state free from corruption.

"We will set an example and fight corruption together. People ask me if I will give them money, my answer is no. I will not. If you (people) accept money for vote, you cannot ask your representative for anything. You did not know the value of your vote and sold it for a few thousands. Had you voted for a good party, you could have benefited in lakhs of rupees through good governance," he said.

Haasan held the people equally responsible for the poor state of affairs as they accepted cash for vote. He said people had remained mute spectators to all kinds of corruption and all the shortage of resources in the state was due to the greed.

He pledged that his party would work on providing quality education to all sections of the society, which was their main agenda. He added that he wanted to make the people rich by giving them jobs, so that they would not have to depend on freebies.

The actor said his party would work for diminishing differences based on caste and religion in the society.

"My political ideology is the same as all good Chief Ministers. Politics in the name of religion should be stopped," he added.

Later, answering questions from his fans, Haasan said no one will hold on to power in his party forever.

"For those who mock at my age, I can say that I will work for the welfare of people till my end and sow the seeds of the future. The baton will be passed and there won't be any permanent Chief Minister in this party. This party does not end with me and I want to create the party that will last for generations," he said.

Answering a question on whether he would distribute liquor to men and scooter to women, the multilingual actor said he would generate employment and foster growth.

Pointing out that he had already adopted eight villages, Haasan said "We (party) will achieve complete transformation of these villages. If there are any shortcomings, we will change our methods."

Referring to the party's logo, he said the confluence of six hands represents the six south Indian states working together for the benefit of all and the star in the centre represents the people.