Not entire crowd will get converted into votes, says Kamal Haasan on turnout in Vijay's rallies
Chennai (PTI): Makkal Needhi Maiam founder leader Kamal Haasan has said that just because a leader happens to attract huge crowds does not mean that the entire turnout will get converted into votes and this norm applies to all including him and actor-politician Vijay, who heads the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Haasan, when asked on the massive turnout seen in actor-politician Vijay's rallies, and the criticism that the "entire crowds" will not get converted into votes, told reporters: "It is for sure, (not all of them) it will not get converted into votes, it is applicable to all leaders."
When asked again if this norm is applicable to TVK chief Vijay, he said: "When it is applicable to all leaders, how can we exclude Vijay? It is applicable to me and all the leaders in India, you have attracted crowd but (all of) that will not get converted into votes."
Asked what advice he would give to Vijay who has entered politics, he said: "Go on the right path, proceed with courage and do good for the people and this is my appeal to all leaders."
Leave alone politics, criticism happens in cinema as well and several people criticise aspiring actors also, he added when he interacted with journalists on September 21, 2025.
In the wake of criticism from parties including the DMK and others that large gatherings witnessed in Vijay's rallies would not become votes, Vijay in a rally he addressed on September 20 at Tiruvarur dramatically said he had a doubt and then he asked the people: "They (rivals and critics) say this is an empty gathering which will not vote (for TVK), Is this an empty gathering?
When the massive crowds replied with high-decibel chants of "Vijay," it was seen as a pledge to vote for the TVK and the TVK chief profusely thanked the people.
Vijay said TVK's objective is to usher in a "true democracy, one that has a conscience."
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National Herald case: Shivakumar to seek time next week to appear before Delhi police
New Delhi/Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said he will ask for time from Delhi police to appear before them next week, to provide required information as part of the probe into the National Herald case.
He said he will seek time after the ongoing winter session of Karnataka legislature ends on December 19. He will also ask the Delhi police to provide him the FIR copy.
Shivakumar, who is in the national capital, had earlier said that he will appear before the Delhi police on Monday. But, he postponed the plan in order to rush back to Karnataka to participate in the last rites of veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa, scheduled later in the day in Davangere.
"I had to go (to appear before the Delhi police), but I have to go back urgently. I'm asking them for time, stating that I will come next week," Shivakumar told reporters in New Delhi.
"They (Delhi police) have not attached the FIR copy while issuing notice to me. I need FIR copy, because we had already given all the required replies to the ED. I don't know what the FIR says, I only read in papers. They have given notice, I will ask for a FIR copy. I will come next week after the Assembly session."
The Delhi Police had issued a notice to Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Congress chief, seeking financial and transactional details as part of its probe into the National Herald case.
The notice issued by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) states that Shivakumar is "supposed to be having vital information" pertaining to the National Herald case registered on October 3 this year, against top Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi.
In the notice dated November 29, the EOW had asked Shivakumar to appear before it or provide the requested information by December 19 latest.
Investigators have sought details about his personal background, his association with the Congress party, and a complete break up of funds allegedly transferred by him or associated entities to Young Indian.
To a question on meeting AICC General Secretaries K C Venugopal and Randeep Singh Surjewala, amid the ongoing power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah over the Chief Minister post, Shivakumar said when he comes to Delhi, he usually meets every one.
"Whether it is Surjewala or Kharge (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) or Venugopal, I will meet everyone. During lunch yesterday I met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. I have met everyone. What's wrong?" he asked.
Shivakumar was in Delhi to take part in Congress' "Vote Chori" rally on Sunday, and had also participated in the lunch organised by the party for its leaders.
Responding to a question, whether any meeting is planned with leaders today, the Deputy CM said, he and Kharge will be travelling together to Karnataka, to pay last respects to Shamanuru Shivashankarappa.
Asked if he will seek time for a separate meeting with Congress leadership including Rahul Gandhi, during the next visit to Delhi, Sivakumar said, "such things will be there between us in the party.... you don't worry."
