Kamal tells protesters to take on MLAs, not IPL players

“The anti-IPL protesters marched to the arena where 22 players were playing, instead they should have marched to the Fort St George where 234 players are playing,” he said while talking under the title Leadership Vision for Tamil Nadu: The Next Orbit. 

Kamal spoke on the political mission that lay ahead and fielded questions from the audience on a range of subjects. The actor-turned-politician said that the people cannot afford to be apolitical in a politicised state like Tamil Nadu. Kamal expressed his anguish at caste politics and said that it frightened him. He expressed hope that the next generations must move away from it. 

The Makkal Needhi Maiam president stressing on the importance of Dravidianism said, “If Karunanidhi and Anna had not entered politics the ideology would not have flourished. He added that by raising our voices and showing political unity the southern states too can get their due like those in the north. 

Kamal reiterated the message of anti-corruption, which he declared was the core of his party that was launched in February this year. He said, “I would prefer to contest the elections and lose in a fair manner than give cash for votes. Politics is not a sport and I am careful about my actions. I have been running the party with my own money.” 

He also called for the people of Tamil Nadu to work together for the advancement of the state. He said that while ancient Tamils ruled empires spanning from Thanjavur to Cambodia, today, Tamilians have a per capita debt of Rs 45,000. He called for the creation of not just smart cities but also smart villages. Kamal took a dig at former chief minister J Jayalalithaa for her action in converting the secretariat building build during the rule of the DMK into a hospital. 

He said that the building was a monument to political vanity as the building was not designed to be a hospital. 

Kamal wrapped the session by asking the audience to keep a vigilant eye on him. He said, “Don’t trust me. Keep a check on me.” 

The 63-year-old is also set to interact with party members via a YouTube live stream on Sunday.