Madurai: Actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday launched his political party, naming it 'Makkal Needhi Maiam' and unveiled its flag that symbolises the strength of unity.
"I am not your leader, I am your tool... This gathering is full of leaders," he said moments before announcing the party's name that roughly translates to "Centre for People's Justice."
The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of his party with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect as the huge crowd roared its approval.
The flag in white background has six hands joining together with shades of red over three hands and rest with white along with a star in between surrounded by a star like background in black.
Following are some of the reactions to the launch of MNM:
1/1 Wishing my dear father all the success on his first step of a million more toward change and political reform - to quote your favourite mahatma Gandhi “be the change you wish to see in the world “ I’m certain your determination and perseverance toward truth and justice cont’d
— shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018
1/2 we have witnessed in our family ,will now be seen by everyone in our wonderful home of Tamil Nadu
— shruti haasan (@shrutihaasan) February 21, 2018
I want to congratulate @ikamalhaasan ji and his entire team for starting this political alternative. But more than that I want to congratulate people of Tamilnadu. - @ArvindKejriwal#KamalPartyLaunch #MakkalNeethiMaiyam pic.twitter.com/hamzOBn3FH
— AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 21, 2018
- Kamal Haasan is dear to me and people of Kerala. He has been a unifying force between Tamil Nadu and Kerala and has proven his integrity in social and political reforms, said Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
- "It will not bloom, nor give fragrance and it will continue to be a paper flower," said Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar.
- "Owing to seasonal changes some flowers may suddenly bloom and later wither. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu's political arena too glamorous paper flowers may bloom," said DMK leader MK Stalin.
(With PTI inputs)