Chennai: AIADMK senior and State Fisheries Minister D. Jayakumar hit out at actor-politician Kamal Haasan for his ‘free India’s first extremist was a Hindu – Nathuram Godse’ remark, saying one should not “sow seeds of poison in politics.”
“It is unfortunate that even in his films, he (Kamal Haasan, Makkal Needhi Maiam founder) had not said good things. Now after he entered politics, the moment he opens his mouth to talk, he utters something that is unacceptable,” Mr. Jayakumar said on Thursday. Speaking to reporters at Vilachery in Madurai, the Minister said Kamal and even other politicians, should refrain from “sowing poisonous seeds in politics.”
There was so much spontaneous opposition to him as the actor had uttered something that is undesirable, Jayakumar emphasised.
While campaigning for his party candidate in Aravakurichi on Sunday, Kamal had said “free India’s first extremist was a Hindu. And he was Nathuram Godse (who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi).” His controversial statement drew instantaneous protests from various quarters including the BJP and the AIADMK. AIADMK senior and State Minister for Milk and Dairy Development K. T. Rajendra Bhalaji, reacted sharply saying if Haasan continued to speak in similar vein, “someone would chop off his tongue, one day.”
Mr. Jayakumar further said that people of the State have been living harmoniously, transcending religion and caste and that no one should sow seeds of venom. “Not only Kamal Haasan but also others should not sow seeds of poison,” he advised. Those in public life should say good things in politics, the Minister said and added that it was for the court to decide on Kamal’s remark.
