Poll deal: Rajinikanth talks of ‘styles’, Kamal Haasan puts ball in DMK court

CHENNAI: Possibility of an alliance with DMK will be considered if the grand old party finds the ideology of his yet-to-be launched party compatible with its own, said actor Kamal Haasan after taking the blessings of DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram house on Sunday. “I am here to serve the people, not to shake any party. DMK is no stranger to challenges,” the Vishwaroopam star, who will launch his political party and manifesto in Madurai on Wednesday, told reporters.

The DMK working president M K Stalin received the actor with a warm and friendly smile a stark contrast to the cold reception he accorded Rajinikanth during his visit to Gopalapuram last month. Stalin had warned back then that nobody could shake DMK, possibly alluding to the ‘spiritual politics’ espoused by Rajini.

Earlier in the day, Kamal visited his onscreen adversary Rajinikanth and called it a “friendly meet” free of politics. Rajini, who is busy consolidating his fan base to form his own party, took out time to host Kamal in his Poes Garden residence. Rajini later told reporters, “We all know that my friend Kamal has not entered politics for money or fame. He intends to serve the Tamil people. I pray that he gets god’s blessings.”

Asked about the possibility of an alliance with Kamal, Rajini said, “In cinema itself, Kamal and I have different styles. In politics too, we will have varying approaches. Our goal however is the same, which is to do good for the people.” Ahead of his political debut, Kamal is meeting people that are ‘close to his heart’. The 63-year old actor, who has long been open about his admiration for the 94-year old Karunanidhi, told reporters, “A few qualities I would like to imbibe from him are his sharp intellect, his prowess in Tamil and his concern for the people. Many leaders may possess these qualities. But he is unique.”

While at Gopalapuram, Stalin invited Kamal for what could be his first serious involvement in politics. Stalin, who has demanded that the ruling AIADMK convene an all-party meet to discuss the SC verdict on the Cauvery water sharing dispute, said, “If the AIADMK does not heed my demand by Monday, I will call an all-party meet as the leader of opposition. We will be inviting all parties including AIADMK, BJP and Kamal’s party. Kamal has assured me that he will be part of the meeting.”

Kamal told reporters at Gopalapuram, “The Dravidian ideology will form part of mine. I am picking the best from many great ideologies to form my party vision. Let the DMK hear out my ideology on Wednesday and see if it is compatible with theirs.”

When reporters asked the leader of opposition if he considered Kamal and Rajini as competitors, he said, “Anyone can enter politics. We would to like to see them stay long enough to serve the people.”