Actor Kamal Haasan on Wednesday confirmed that he would not be attending a national seminar against communal fascism organised by a CPI(M)- think tank in Kozhikode on September 16. This as speculation mounts that the actor would launch a political outfit in Tamil Nadu soon.
Taking to Twitter, Kamal Haasan stated that he was not invited to the meeting, and that he is busy with the filming of his reality show Bigg Boss on Saturdays. Incidentally, the seminar will be attended by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPI (M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
Embarrassing. Was not asked for Calicut meeting with Kerala CM. I am at Bigg boss all saturdays till Oct. Best wishes for the function.
— Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) September 13, 2017
While the seminar organisers had earlier confirmed to TNM that Kamal Haasan would inaugurate the event on Saturday, following the actor’s tweet, Director of Keluettan Study and Research Centre, KT Kunhikannan said that star chose to back out as he did not want a controversy.
"Earlier his visit was decided, he was informed too. We were also informed earlier that he might be coming. But some media portrayed this programme as Kamal Haasan's political entry into CPI (M). We had no such intentions. Even he doesn't want a controversy now," said Kunhikannan.
Kama Haasan’s decision to stay away from the seminar comes weeks after his meeting with the Kerala CM, which fuelled speculation over his entry into politics. On September 1, Kamal Haasan met with CM Pinarayi Vijayan at his residence in Thiruvananthapuram. While terming his visit “a learning experience”, the actor when asked about his political affiliation told reporters, “I have been in films for 40 years. I have many colours, but my colour is not saffron.”
Arun Janardhanan in The Indian Express reported that the veteran actor is likely to launch his party by the end of this month.
“This is the crucial time to enter. He thinks that there is a political vacuum in Tamil Nadu. He is overwhelmed by the response from the public on his recent statements taking on politicians in the state. He is busy meeting key faces of his fans’ groups besides sharing his ideas and draft papers for the new party with people whom he respects,” a source close to Kamal Haasan told Indian Express.
The actor has in the last few weeks been a vocal critic of the AIADMK government, hitting out at the corruption in the state and calling for a new government.