Kamal Haasan remembers Zakir Hussain: “Goodbye and thank you”
Zakir Hussain, the legendary tabla maestro, was a global icon in Indian classical music known for his unparalleled artistry and groundbreaking collaborations.
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) on Wednesday said that the ‘Hindu terrorist’ remark of its party chief Kamal Haasan was taken out of context.
The party, in a statement, said that Haasan was merely condemning extremism in all forms and religions.
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Haasan had triggered a major controversy on 12 May with a speech at Aravakuruchi assembly constituency of Tamil Nadu, saying that the “first terrorist of independent India was a Hindu – Nathuram Godse”.
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The MNM said that Haasan’s speech has been “painted as anti-Hindu with malafide intent”.
“This [the speech] has been taken absolutely out of context and has been painted as anti-Hindu with a malafide intent. This has created complete confusion and utmost anxiety amongst many common citizens who are not privy to this larger conspiracy,” the party said.
“He was calling for religious tolerance and co-existence amongst all religious groups & condemned extremism in whichever form & religion,” the party added.
Haasan’s remarks enraged many.
AIADMK leader and Tamil Nadu Minister KT Rajenthra Bhalaji said that Haasan’s “tongue should be cut off” while stressing that “extremism has no religion – Hindu, Muslim or Christian”.
“Why are you spewing venom. Every word (Haasan utters) is venom. Haasan’s party which is sowing violence should be banned and the Election Commission should act against him,” Bhalaji said.
BJP leader in Tamil Nadu Tamilisai Soundararajan accused the actor-turned-politician of appeasing minorities.
On Tuesday, a criminal complaint was filed against MNM and Haasan in Delhi’s Patiala House Court for allegedly “hurting religious sentiments of Hindus by associating terrorism with Hindu religion”.
BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay, who filed the complaint, said that Haasan’s statement was intended to outrage religious feelings of Hindus and also breached the Model Code of Conduct.
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