An event to release a book on the Union finance minister at Kamarajar Arangam on Saturday took an interesting turn when actor Kamal Haasan expressed his desire to see P Chidambaram become the prime minister.
He was speaking on the occasion of the release of ‘P Chidambaram - Oru Paaravai’, a compilation of articles by popular writers on him. Prominent among those who attended the event included Chidambaram, former chief minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi, superstar Rajinikanth, poet Vairamuthu and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president B S Gnanadesikan.
Haasan actually echoed noted Tamil scholar Abdul Kader, who spoke before him on wanting to see Chidambaram play a greater role at the Centre. “People may question my locus standi on this issue. But, I have every right to say it,” declared the nationally-acclaimed artiste.
The statements drew loud applause from the large crowd that thronged the venue. In his speech, Karunanidhi recalled Chidambaram’s political career, which included holding portfolios of cabinet minister for finance and home in the Central government besides being minister of state in the departments of personnel, home and finance. “Next what role would he play? Some speakers have expressed their desire that a Tamilian attired in dhoti become PM, which has evoked cheers from the audience,” the DMK patriarch underscored.
Karunanidhi pressed Chidambaram to initiate immediate steps for restarting the stalled Sethusamudram project for the welfare of Tamils.