Mannargudi pontiff says people will thrash him; alleges he has links with IS

The Shendalangara Sampathkumara Ramanuja Jeeyar of Mannargudi on Wednesday said actor-politician Kamal Haasan will not be allowed to move freely across the country, in the wake of his remark that Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin Nathuram Godse was “the first extremist of Independent India and was a Hindu”.

Speaking to reporters in Srirangam, the pontiff alleged that the Makkal Needhi Maiam leader had links with the Islamic State (IS), and had been insulting Hindus for a long time.

He contended that no one would accept Mr. Haasan's statement that Independent India’s first extremist was a Hindu. The actor’s remarks had insulted millions of Hindus across the country, he claimed.

The Jeeyar said he would take up the issue with various forums of saints to express their anger at the remarks.

“Hindus are pained over the remarks of Mr. Haasan. There is a limit for patience. We will not allow him to move around,” he said. When asked to clarify his statement, he said the people would thrash the MNM leader by themselves.

‘De-register party’

In a related development, the Hindu Munnani has urged the Election Commission to revoke the Makkal Needhi Maiam’s status as a registered party for violating the model code of conduct.

In his complaint, lodged with the Returning Officer of Aravakurichi Assembly constituency, K.V. Ramakrishnan, Karur district secretary of Hindu Munnani, said Mr. Haasan’s speech was planned. He had chosen a Muslim-dominated area to defame the Hindu religion by describing Nathuram Godse as a Hindu extremist. Mr. Haasan continued to portray Hindu Gods in poor light in his movies and campaigns, he alleged.

Plaints against Minister

Meanwhile, Tiruchi-based advocate and MNM member S.R. Kishore Kumar preferred a police complaint, seeking action against Dairy Development Minister Rajenthra Bhalaji for saying that Mr. Haasan’s tongue should be cut off for his comments on Godse.

Also Read Godse remark historical fact, says Kamal Haasan

Mr. Kumar filed a complaint with the Cantonment police in Tiruchi, saying the Minister’s “threatening” statement, made during a press conference, could instigate violence.

Mr. Bhalaji’s remarks ran contrary to the oath of office affirming allegiance to the Constitution, which he had taken as a Minister. He had crossed the line and had spoken like a “rowdy”, Mr. Kumar said, demanding appropriate action against the Minister.

Mr. Kumar later said the Inspector of Police, upon receiving his petition, had stated that the acknowledgement (CSR) slip would be issued after consultation with higher authorities. Subsequently, he filed the complaint online through the Tamil Nadu Police Citizen Portal.

Separately, MNM office-bearer Priyadarshini lodged a complaint with the Sembium police, seeking action against the Minister over his remarks against Mr. Haasan.

She said Mr. Bhalaji lacked political ethics and personal dignity.

Stating that he had set a bad example for the youth through his comments, she demanded severe action against him.