We are preparing to contest on all 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, says MNM chief Kamal Haasan

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan on Thursday declared that his newly-formed party is ready to go it alone in the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2019. The actor-turned-politician said he is preparing to contest all the 40 seats in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on its own. However, Hassan didn't say anything about the constituency from where he will contest. "Our aim is to not go with any tainted group. We are preparing to contest on all 40 seats (in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry). I cannot say at this moment from where I will contest," said Kamal Hassan.

Earlier, Kamal Haasan slammed Congress president Rahul Gandhi over his minimum income for the poor scheme. He had described as a "worthwhile dream" Rahul Gandhi's promise of minimum income for the poor but said implementing it would be very difficult. Addressing reporters after launching the Puducherry unit of his party Makkal Needhi Maiam, he also welcomed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's foray into active politics. "It is a great dream, nice dream. I would not say it is epiphany. But is a nice worthwhile dream. We'll pursue it.

But to enact and actually bring it into force is very difficult. I hope he (Rahul) succeeds," Haasan said.     Addressing a 'Kisaan Abhaar Sammelan' in Raipur, Rahul Gandhi had promised Congress would ensure "minimum income guarantee" for every poor person if it comes to power at the Centre. When asked about his opinion on Vadra being appointed Congress general secretary, Hassan said "Welcome sister."

On the Ram temple issue, the MNM leader said he stood for amity and unity of the country. "My personal opinion, which I have said in 1993 or 94 as soon as Babri Masjid was demolished. I was the single voice which rose from here. I still stand by it. I am very sure any sensible Indian would stand for amity and unity of India," he said. Answering questions on alliances for fighting the upcoming general elections, he said the executive committee of his party had given him the authority to decide on it, but no time limit had been set to take the call.

"We are deliberating on it. It is very important to not carry other people's laundry," he said without elaborating.