TIRUCHY: Makkal Neethi Maiam (MNM) president Kamal Haasan is under attack from supporters of former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi and others for his remarks that he would not trouble people while sitting in a wheelchair. #Mannippukel_Kamal has been doing the rounds on social media.
Speaking during MNM's fourth-year inaugural ceremony in Chennai on February 21, Haasan spoke about his interaction with an advisor in the USA. When he sought advice on emerging victorious in politics the advisor said, "Put in 10 years of hard work and we will chalk out a plan in the 15th year. I told him I don't have 15 years to invest as I am already in my 60s," said Haasan.
During his speech, Haasan made a reference to the wheelchair, which got the crowd going. The video of the speech, which was released on party's YouTube Channel on Wednesday, has angered supporters of late DMK leader Karunanidhi. They demanded an apology from Haasan by circulating the clip with #Mannippukel_Kamal.
Some even shared old pictures of him engaged in an animated conversation with Karunanidhi in a wheelchair.
Poet Rajathi Salma tweeted, "Tamil Nadu stands out because one person in a wheelchair, one carrying a urine bag and another with cancer travelled all across the State. Learn to speak responsibly." Salma was referring to Karunanidhi, Periyar and Anna.
Kabilan Kamaraj posted a picture of Gabriela Michetti, the former vice-president of Argentina in wheelchair with a comment "Did Ulaga Nayagan know that this politician travelled around the world in her wheelchair?" He also posted the picture of Franklin D Roosevelt, former US president, in a wheelchair.
Script writer Don Ashok in a Facebook post said, "Are the differently-abled in wheelchairs not fit for politics?"
Bilal Aliyar wrote, "In 2009 when Karunanidhi underwent spinal surgery he gave compartmental reservation of 3 per cent to Arunthathiyar community. Go and take rest Kamal Haasan."
Many of them questioned Haasan's latest political tread by praising MGR and attacking Karunanidhi. "He thinks criticising Karunanidhi will swing MGR supporters' votes in his favour," they said.