Actor-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan has reacted to the political rise of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, saying newcomers in politics should neither be underestimated nor expected to deliver too much immediately.
Speaking in Madurai, Haasan said, “Many new people have come in. But newcomers are nothing unusual in politics. When India got independence, all the ministers were newcomers too. So we shouldn’t underestimate newcomers, nor should we expect too much from them.”
He added, “You are the ones who voted, right? So you should keep observing what happens and make sure things are going properly. We are also keeping a watch.”
Haasan’s advice to the public
Haasan’s remarks come days after Vijay took oath as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), emerged as the single largest party in the Assembly elections, results for which were announced on May 4. The election led to a hung Assembly for the first time in the state’s history.
The MNM president urged the public to remain vigilant. While not underestimating newcomers, he also cautioned against placing excessive expectations on them too soon.
‘Vijay should not be seen as just an actor’
Earlier, speaking to reporters outside Chennai airport, Haasan said Vijay should no longer be viewed as a film actor because he now holds greater responsibilities as Chief Minister.
“Vijay should no longer be looked at as a cinema actor. He has other responsibilities. A chief minister could come from any walk of life. I am proud that he has come from the film industry,” Haasan said.
Dravidian party remark
Haasan also made a pointed political remark: “If a Tamil-speaking person from Tamil Nadu starts a political party, then it’s a Dravidian party.” The comment appeared to be a subtle nod to the evolving political landscape of the state, where Dravidian ideology has long been a defining force.
Haasan’s political position
Haasan launched his political party in 2018 and remains part of the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He has spoken out on political developments in Tamil Nadu after the election results.
A new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics
With Vijay now at the helm, and Haasan watching from within the opposition alliance, Tamil Nadu has entered an unfamiliar era – one defined by a hung Assembly and a Chief Minister who is navigating the transition from cinema superstar to political leader.
Haasan’s message is clear: Give the newcomer a chance, but don’t take your eyes off the work. As he put it, “We are also keeping a watch.”
