No other choice; will launch a new political party: Kamal Haasan

News Network
September 15, 2017

New Delhi, Sept 15: Actor Kamal Haasan has ended the speculation over his political entry, saying he will form his own political party as none of the existing ones can provide a platform for his "reformatory" ideology.

The actor said he was thinking of launching a political party, out of compulsion and not choice.

"Yes, I am thinking on those lines, not out of choice but compulsion. Which existent political party can provide me with a platform or an ideology that will match my reformatory goals in politics?" the actor told the website.

In the interview, the actor also took issue with the media linking him to any political party whose leader he happens to be meeting. "The other day, I met the Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and I was supposed to have developed a penchant for communism...A political party is about an ideology. And I don't think my goals in politics can match the ideology of any political party," he told The Quint.

Commenting on the current political situation in Tamil Nadu, Kamal Haasan said the sacking of VK Sasikala as the general secretary of the ruling AIAMDK was a "solid step forward". "I was extremely vocal about getting rid of her. Now that it has happened I feel a little more encouraged in my belief that the politics of Tamil Nadu can change. And I want to bring about that change, no matter how slowly it may be," he said.

Following his meeting with Vijayan, speculation had been rife that he would join the CPI(M). The buzz was fuelled by his recent criticism of the AIADMK and DMK working president MK Stalin.

Kamal Haasan, who is currently hosting the Tamil edition of reality show Bigg Boss, had also recently said that "saffron" was not his colour, a veiled reference to the BJP and the RSS.

"My colour is definitely not saffron. That much I can say now," he had told reporters, in response to questions whether he would swing to the Left or Right.

A source from Kamal's fan club association said: "We still are in the planning phase and discussing ideas. He is keen to enter politics but is currently looking at starting a movement of sorts to gauge public support before taking the final plunge."

Another close friend of Kamal welcomes Kamal's statement but agrees that the finances for floating a party would be a challenge for the Superstar.

R. K. Radhakrishnan, Associate Editor, Frontline, said: "Kamal has been making noises on floating a party. If he does due diligence, he will realise that this is a mammoth task - starting a party and running it across Tamil Nadu. If it's raw emotion that's guiding him, he should seek the counsel of wise leaders such as Su. Thirunavukkarasar, who disbanded his rather successful party."

His entry into politics comes at a time when superstar Raajinikanth too said he is holding discussions but will take a decision when the time is right. His mentor and RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy said Rajini will float his own party and later form an alliance with the BJP.

So the two superstars have been making headlines as the State Govt remains mute spectators and the DMK says both are welcome to join the party. So only time will if both will make political debuts and float their own parties.

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Media Release
November 24,2025

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Sharjah, UAE: Ayisha Basheer Esra, a talented young writer hailing from Aramboor in Dakshina Kannada’s Sullia taluk, marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning literary career with the launch of her debut novel, The Betrayal of the Kingdom, at the Sharjah International Book Fair. The prestigious event, recognized as the world’s largest book fair, provided a fitting stage for the unveiling of Esra’s work.

The official release ceremony was conducted by Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of the Religious Affairs Office of the Sharjah Government and a distinguished member of the royal family, underscoring the significance of Esra’s achievement. Mrs. Lini Shivaprasad, Principal of GEMS Millennium School, Sharjah, had the honor of receiving the first copy of the novel.

The event was graced by the presence of numerous distinguished guests, reflecting the widespread recognition of Esra’s literary talent and the anticipation surrounding her debut novel. Among the notable attendees were Syed Panakkad Munawwarali Shihab Tangal, Dr. Mariam Al Shenasi, the UAE’s renowned writer and Head of Dar Al Yasmin Publications, Dr. K. K. N. Kurup, Retired Vice Chancellor of Calicut University and Historian, Sharjah Businessman Shamsuddin Bin Mohideen, Nizar Talangara, President of the Sharjah Indian Association, V. T Salim, Director of Silver Home Real Estate, Munir Al Wafa, MD of Lipi Publication Akbar, and other esteemed individuals.

At the remarkably young age of eight, Esra has already established herself as a prolific writer, authoring and publishing collections of short stories in addition to her newly released full-length novel. Her dedication to writing and her exceptional talent have positioned her as one of the youngest authors to achieve such literary success. 

Esra is the daughter of Basheer and Haseena, residents of Aramboor, Sullia, and currently a student at Sharjah’s GEMS Millennium School. Her early accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring young writers and a testament to the power of nurturing creativity from a young age.

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News Network
December 1,2025

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Udupi, Dec 1: A horrific case of alleged rape has unfolded in Udupi, where a worker from a Hindutva organisation, previously arrested and released on bail for harassing a young woman, is now accused of waylaying and sexually assaulting her.

The arrested individual has been identified as Pradeep Poojary (26), a member of the Hindu Jagarana Vedike's Nairkode unit in Perdur.

Poojary had allegedly been relentlessly harassing the young woman, pressuring her to marry him. When she bravely stood up to him and refused his demands, she filed a formal complaint at the Hiriyadka police station. He was subsequently arrested in that initial harassment case but was later granted bail.

According to police reports, driven by the same malicious grudge, Poojary allegedly intercepted the woman again on November 29. While she was walking through a deserted area, the accused is claimed to have threatened her by grabbing her neck. When she again refused to marry him, he allegedly proceeded to rape her.

The survivor immediately informed her family about the traumatic assault. Following this, her parents lodged a complaint at the Udupi women’s police station.

Police arrested Poojary again and produced him before the court. He has since been remanded to judicial custody.

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News Network
November 26,2025

Mangaluru, Nov 26: Mangaluru East police have registered a case following a sophisticated online fraud where a 57-year-old local resident was allegedly cheated out of ₹13.4 lakh after being targeted on Facebook.

The scam began in February when the complainant, while browsing Facebook reels, was contacted by a woman identifying herself as "Lillian Mary George" from London. After establishing a chat relationship, the woman claimed she would visit India in November and bring a significant sum of money.

The trap was sprung on November 15, when the victim received a call from a woman named "Sonali Gupta," who claimed Lillian had arrived at Mumbai International Airport but was detained by customs. The fraudsters convinced the man that Lillian was carrying £25,000 (about ₹26 lakh) in traveller’s cheques and 1 kg of gold (valued at around ₹30 lakh).

Under the pretense of clearing these items, the victim was asked to make numerous online transfers between November 15 and 18 for various bogus charges, including:

•    "Pounds exchange registration"
•    "Customs declaration issues"
•    "Discount charges"
•    "Money-laundering charges"

Believing the fictitious story, the complainant transferred the cumulative sum of ₹13.4 lakh to various bank accounts provided by the fraudsters. He realised he was cheated when the culprits later promised a refund within two days but stopped answering his calls. The Mangaluru East police are now investigating the case, which highlights the continuing threat of transnational cyber fraud using social engineering and promises of fictitious wealth.

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