Madurai: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan yesterday launched his party, ‘Makkal Needhi Maiam,’ in Madurai, taking a plunge into the already crowded Tamil Nadu politics. Even actor Rajinikanth has announced his plan to launch a political outfit.

Haasan started his day yesterday by visiting late President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s house in Rameswaram. He then visited his hometown Paramakudi and is now at Madurai for the party launch.

“People ask me what is this ‘Maiam?’, and if I am left or right? That is why I kept the name ‘Maiam’, which means centre. Six hands in my party symbol represent six States, star in the middle represents people,” said Kamal Haasan.

“People ask about my ideology, here it is — good quality education must reach all, caste and religious games played on us must be stopped. Corruption has to be eradicated,” he added.

“I’m not your leader, I’m your tool… this gathering is full of leaders,” he said moments before announcing the party’s name that roughly translates to “Centre for People’s Justice.”

The party flag was unveiled just before Haasan announced the name of his party with a brief pause heightening the dramatic effect as the huge crowd roared its approval. The flag in white background has six hands joining together with shades of red over three hands and rest with white along with a star in between surrounded by a star like background in black.