MNM seeks TN minister’s ouster after ‘cut-Kamal Haasan’s tongue’ remark
Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam has sought the removal of milk and dairy development minister K. T. Rajendra Balaji for his remark that 'someone would cut his (Kamal's) tongue' while reacting to the leader's independent India's “first extremist was a Hindu” statement.
Reacting to Kamal's speech at his poll campaign in Aravakurichi on Sunday, Mr Balaji had warned that, “somebody would chop off Haasan's tongue in the future if he continues to paint Hindus as terrorists.” He also demanded the Election Commission to ban MNM.
“I am not saying this because many Muslims are here. I am saying this in the front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue. First terrorist in independent India is a Hindu. His name is Nathuram Godse,” Haasan said at Aravakurichi while campaigning for his party candidate S. Mohanraj. The by-election Aravakuruchi, Sulur, Ottapidaram and Thirupparankundram constituencies is due on May 19.
Also, the minister promised to withdraw his remarks if Haasan expressed regret for his original statement. He had also said, “extremism has no religion, neither Hindu nor Muslim nor Christian.”
Taking strong exception to the minister's onslaught, MNM general secretary
A. Arunachalam issued a statement here on Tuesday claiming Balaji's comments lacks political ethics and personal dignity.
“As the elected representative of the people and
the minister for milk and dairy development, Mr Rajendra Balaji has broken the promise that he made when he took oath as a minister. So, he must be removed from his post immediately,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan who cancelled his rallies on Monday following the
spontaneous opposition to his Hindu terror averment. He is expected to resume his electioneering on Wednesday. The BJP and its allies reprimanded Kamal Haasan for his statement.
Kamal has not readhistory: Ponnar:
Terming Kamal Haasan's remark as “absurd” and “contemptuous” targeting the Hindus, Union minister of state for finance and shipping Pon Radhakrishnan said if Haasan believed his statement to be true, then it means that he has not read history at all.
“He is giving religious colour to Mahatma Gandhi's assassination. By uttering thus, Kamal has proved that politicians of his ilk should be sidelined from mainstream politics,” he told reporters here on Tuesday.
