CHENNAI: It appears that actor-politician Kamal Haasan will confront his movie rival Rajinikanth in the political arena. Three days after the latter told students not to enter politics at an MGR statue unveiling function in Chennai, Kamal urged the student community to do the total opposite by asking them to dive right into politics. Addressing students of SSN College of Engineering, Kamal said, “I want you students there in politics to move this state of Tamil Nadu forward. Makkal Needhi Maiam is looking for people like you.” “Only because many like us kept away from voting booths we are in this dire straits today. Bring your ideas to us. We will listen to you and learn from you,” he said.
Rajini's speech provoked many reactions, as veteran politicians reminded the superstar of the massive student power and their participation in bringing political change in Tamil Nadu. They said asking students to stay away from politics was not right. Haasan on the other hand, seems to put stress on student power to broaden his party. He also took a dig at Rajini who said he could not be MGR but he could bring back MGR rule back in the state. Kamal, when asked what kind of rule he will bring, said, “I will bring people's rule.” The statement has triggered a “aatchi” (MGR rule) versus “makkal aatchi” (People's rule).
But the most fundamental difference between the two actors who have now turned to politics has been Rajinikanth's 'spiritual politics' and Kamal's aversion to anything saffron and his left-of-centre utterings. However, while unveiling his party flag and agenda, Kamal had made it clear that he was neither left nor right. "I am at the centre, that is why the party itself has been named maiam," he clarified
