My party ready to face Tamil Nadu by-polls, says Kamal Haasan

Actor-politician Kamal Haasan Wednesday said his party Makkal Needhi Maiam was ready to face the by-polls for 20 assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu whenever they were held. "At this point of time, we can say by-polls may be conducted. I do not know whether it will be held definitely. Suppose, if it is conducted, Makkal Needhi Maiam is ready to face it", he said.

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Haasan was addressing reporters here on the occasion of his 64th birthday. By-polls are due in the 20 constituencies, which have fallen vacant following the Madras High Court last month upholding the disqualification of the 18 AIADMK MLAs who back Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader TTV Dhinakaran and in view of demise of two sitting members, including DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi.

Answering a question, Haasan said his basic objective was to facilitate healthy politics.

"When you say healthy politics, it also holds the meaning of being scam free. If we do healthy politics, everyone can strongly hope that all sectors will see growth", he said.

The popular actor said, "I do not make any promises wherever I go. But, I receive it from them (people) instead. They all unanimously promised me that they made a mistake by accepting money for vote and that they will not do that again.

I hope they will fulfil it", he said. He dismissed the allegation of local Congress leader

'Karate' Thiagarajan that his party was acting like a "mouth piece" of BJP.

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In his birthday message to his party members and followers released on Sunday, Haasan has slammed "existing political parties and politicians" for viewing welfare as 'alms' and charged that they indulge in corruption as if it is their full-time occupation.

The actor had also exhorted them to take up welfare activities rather than meeting him to wish him on his birthday.