Haasan stokes controversy with ‘Hindu terrorist’ remark
CHENNAI: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Sunday said that the first terrorist in free India was a Hindu, referring to Nathuram Godse who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi. His remark was condemned by leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Kamal, who heads the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), made the statement while campaigning at Aravakkurichi in a minority dominated area. Tamil Nadu state BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan and other leaders condemned the MNM chief for associating a community with Gandhi’s assassin. The BJP moved the Election Commission seeking a five-day ban on Kamal.
“I am one of the proud Indians who wants an India with equality where the three colours in the Tricolour flag should remain intact,” said Kamal while campaigning in support of MNM candidate S Mohanraj for assembly by-poll. The state will see four byelections on May 19.
“I am not saying this here (Aravakkurichi) as Muslims are high in numbers. But, I am saying this before the statue of Mahatma Gandhiji. In fact, independent India’s first terrorist was a Hindu who is Nathuram Godse. I have come here to get an answer for Gandhiji’s murder,” Kamal said.
Tamil Nadu minister Rajendra Balaji said the actor was intentionally hurting the sentiments of the majority community to get minority votes. “His tongue should be chopped for his controversial remarks. The election commission should ban Kamal’s MNM party and should not allow Kamal to campaign,” said Balaji.
BJP national secretary H Raja said Kamal Haasan could hurt Hindus to gain Muslim votes.
Soundararajan tweeted that the MNM leader had no right to label an entire community.
MNM leader R Rengarajan defended Kamal’s stance, saying the actor has voiced support for the father of the nation.
The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief KS Alagiri welcomed Kamal Haasan’s statement. “As for how ISIS is for Islam, RSS is for Hinduism. So, I support the contention of Kamal,” Alagiri told the media.
Aswini Kumar Upadhyaya, a BJP advocate has submitted a petition to the EC seeking to de-register MNM party.