Kamal Haasan speaking at Thoppur near Madurai on Wednesday (TOI photo by K Antony Xavier)

MADURAI: Days after his ‘Hindu extremist’ remark in Aravakurichi created a political storm, Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan on Wednesday broke his silence and said he only spoke about a historical fact .

Speaking at Thoppur, near Madurai , Kamal expressed surprise that people got angry over what he had said.

“I never termed anyone a terrorist . What I spoke was a historical fact. I am an extremist in expressing my views. If I am at fault and will be booked under various sections of IPC, then even my friends in the media could be booked under the same sections for taking just one part of my speech and presenting it, thereby distorting the whole speech. Truth will be bitter like the medicine. But, it is needed for the cure,” Kamal said.

Stoking a controversy earlier, Kamal had said that "free India's first extremist was a Hindu", referring to Nathuram Godse who killed Mahatma Gandhi.

The actor said he was full time into politics now. “I am into politics now, and how can I depend on support from just one segment of the people. I need support from all communities and castes. Basically, we are all humans and above that we are all Tamilians,” Kamal said.

He also lashed out at political parties attacking him.

“Do not fight with me. You are all full of lies. Governments in Delhi (Centre) and in Tamil Nadu cannot survive for long with just lies. They will have to be brought down and it will be done democratically,” Kamal said.

HC rejects Haasan's plea to quash FIR against him

The Madras high court has refused to entertain a petition by MNM chief Kamal Haasan seeking quashing of an FIR registered against him over his "free India's first extremist was a Hindu" remark.

Justice B Pugalendhi of the Madurai Bench said such pleas cannot be taken up as emergent petitions during the vacation.

However, the judge said if an anticipatory bail application was filed, then it could be taken up for hearing.

(With inputs from PTI)



In Video: Free India's first terrorist was a Hindu: Kamal Haasan