Actor-turned-politician and President of Makkal Needi Maiam, Kamal Haasan met Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday. In the meeting that lasted for over an hour, the two discussed the political situation in Tamil Nadu.
Both sides are tight-lipped on whether the meeting was a precursor to an alliance. Mr. Haasan evaded the question. “That is not something which can be discussed with the media,” he told reporters after his meeting with Mr. Gandhi. He said that it was a cordial meeting and was more of a courtesy call. He also added that his party would take a decision on joining the larger national alliance at an appropriate time.
“Enjoyed meeting @ikamalhaasan in Delhi today. We discussed a wide range of issues concerning our two parties, including the political situation in Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Gandhi tweeted after the meeting.
According to sources, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee was clueless about the meeting till Mr. Haasan actually landed at the doorstep of the Congress president.
Political heft
The meeting is significant for both Mr. Haasan and the Congress. “It is obvious that Mr. Haasan needs political heft at a time when his party is just taking off. He will draw benefit from the Congress’ heft,” a senior Congress leader explained.
Congress too stands to gain, especially since it is playing a cameo in Tamil Nadu under the Dravida Munnetra Kazgham. “We are keeping our options open. If DMK flexes its muscles at the time of seat-sharing in the state, we can strike out by ourselves with other smaller parties. And Mr. Haasan is a name to reckon with in the State,” he added.
Mr. Haasan had earlier in the day, met Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kumar to formally register his party. “Election Commission had sought certain queries regarding our party. We have furnished all those details today. EC has said that very soon, the recognition to the party will be given,” Mr Haasan said.
