Kamal Haasan said that MNM would contest by-elections for 20 State Assembly constituencies and local body elections if and when it is announced.

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan on Saturday said that his party would form an alliance with ‘like-minded’ parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After being repeatedly probed whether he would contest Lok Sabha elections, Mr. Haasan said, “I will definitely contest it.”

He also also said that he would not associate with parties that want to change Tamil Nadu's DNA. Asked if that would rule out BJP, he said, “I cannot say something to make headlines better. It is your opinion.” But, he added, “In five states, BJP has been ruled out.”

He informed the press that MNM's vice-president Dr. Mahendran has been given the responsibility for vetting the candidates contesting in the 40 Lok Sabha constituencies in 2019.

“The members of the executive council have given me the responsibility of deciding on alliance. The candidates however will be vetted by Dr. Mahendran. The committee will be formed soon,” said Mr. Haasan.

Dr. Mahendran added: “We have not taken any decision about alliance today. We have just given that decision to Kamal Haasan.”

The actor-politician said that his party's campaign will revolve around Tamil Nadu's development and injustice meted out to Tamil Nadu. “The party's campaign will focus on Tamil Nadu's development. Any party that seeks to change the DNA of Tamil Nadu cannot be our ally,” said Mr. Haasan.

He also said that MNM would contest by-elections for 20 State Assembly constituencies and local body elections if and when it is announced.