Kamal Haasan formally embarks on his political journey  

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Wednesday formally began his political journey by first visiting former President late APJ Abdul Kalam's residence in Rameswaram. He will be unveiling his party's name and the flag at a public rally later in the day in Madurai.

Kamal met the former President's elder brother and other family members at the residence in Rameswaram, around 600 km. "Greatness can come from simple beginnings," he said.

"Actually, it will come only from simplicity. Glad to start my journey from a great man's simple abode," the actor added in a tweet.

However, his second halt at the government school in Mandapam where Kalam studied got cancelled as the district administration did not give permission, according to reports.

Speaking to a television channel, a leader of a Hindu outfit said they had opposed Kamal's visit to the school as he was trying to gain political mileage and nothing more.

Later speaking to the fishing community in Rameswaram, Haasan said that it is one of the most important industries in Tamil Nadu. He would be back to listen to the suggestions made by the fisherfolks.

Several "Naalai Namadhe" flags meaning "Tomorrow is Ours" were seen flying in Rameswaram.

Bharatiya Janata Party's Tamil Nadu unit leader Tamilisai Soundararajan told reporters that Kamal appeared to have "started a political party to compete against someone". She said while anyone can float a political party, Tamil Nadu is not in a situation where only Kamal can save it. Recently, in the RK Nagar bypolls, the BJP candidate had scored less than NOTA votes.

On the other hand, Dalit party leader Thol Thirumavalan told reporters that Kamal and Rajinikanth are agents of the BJP to affect DMK in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan’s fans, within and outside the Tamil Nadu film industry, other politicians and commentators have welcomed the development.

With inputs by NH Web Desk.