Saffron should not spread all over tricolour: Kamal
Chennai: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan said that saffron has its place in the national flag but it should not spread all over it, in a remark interpreted as an attack on the BJP and Hindutva forces.
"Even the Indian national flag has saffron. But it (the colour) should not spread all over the flag is what I am saying," said Kamal, President of newly-formed political party Makkal Needhi Maiam.
In his latest column in a Tamil weekly magazine Ananda Vikatan, Kamal said he has not insulted the saffron band on the tricolour -- which signifies courage and sacrifice.
Citing national leaders who fought for freedom, he said they had differed with each other but stood united to fight for the same goal, adding that this lesson should not be lost.
He said for the success of Indian democracy, one cannot forget the contributions of B.R. Ambedkar and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer in drafting our Constitution.
On the core political philosophy, Kamal said he does not want to be tied down to the narrow confines of any single 'ism'.
"All 'isms' are for social reform. And it cannot be said all have succeeded. It cannot be agreed that a book written in some corner of the world will suit the whole world," Kamal said.
According to him, one cannot equate Socrates' Democracy with that of (US President Donald) Trump's democracy as both are "different creatures".
Kamal also said he met fellow actor Rajinikanth secretly near here -- at the latter's "Kaala" movie shoot -- and told him about his plans to float the party.
Kamal said both agreed to maintain dignity in their political career and not indulge in the usual acrimonial politics.
On meeting DMK President M. Karunanidhi, Kamal said the veteran leader is his Tamil Guru and "he wished me good in my political journey with a smile".
Kamal who also met DMDK leader A. Vijayakant, another Tamil movie hero turned politician, said he has not changed and continues to be the same old 'Viji'.
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VHP warns of statewide stir in Karnataka against move to ease cattle transport law
Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): The VHP on Saturday demanded the immediate withdrawal of a proposed amendment to the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Act, 2020, accusing the state government of weakening a law that has deterred illegal cattle transport.
The organisation's Go Raksha Wing, Karnataka South, has also announced district-level protests on December 8.
According to officials, the existing law mandates a bank guarantee for securing the release of vehicles seized for alleged illegal cattle transportation.
On December 4, the state Cabinet proposed an amendment enabling the release of such vehicles on an indemnity bond instead.
Addressing reporters in Udupi, VHP leader and Prantha Goraksha Pramukh Sunil K R, said the government's move amounted to "sympathy for cattle lifters" and claimed that it was part of broader actions "targeting Hindus".
He argued that the law in its current form is stringent and has played a crucial role in reducing incidents of illegal cattle transport and theft.
Under the Act, vehicles involved in offences can be surrendered and, upon conviction, permanently seized by authorities. "Diluting these provisions will embolden offenders," Sunil said.
The VHP leader warned that easing the process of vehicle release would not only encourage violators but also result in rising cruelty against cattle.
Sunil further claimed that the strict enforcement of the 2020 law had brought down cases of cattle-related offences significantly. Rolling back these provisions, he said, could reverse those gains and would lead to an increase in illegal transport.
He reiterated that the government must reconsider its decision and preserve the integrity of the existing law.
