New Delhi, February 4: Renowned film actor and Rajya Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu, Kamal Haasan, delivered his inaugural speech in the upper house of Parliament on Wednesday, discussing democracy, language, culture, and voter rights.
Haasan presented his address on emotional, ideological, and legal levels. He emphasized that the voices of individuals from various fields resonate in this parliamentary chamber. His own journey began through cinema, which provided him with recognition and introduced him to Tamil language, history, and social consciousness. Haasan spoke during the thank-you motion for the President’s address.
In his speech, Haasan expressed serious concerns regarding the voter list. He noted that names of voters are being removed due to misspellings or technical errors, rendering millions effectively “dead” on paper. He referred to this issue as the plight of the “living dead,” highlighting that it has become a severe problem in Bihar, with ongoing legal battles in Bengal. He warned that millions of voters in Tamil Nadu also face similar risks.
He stated that voting is the most fundamental right in a democracy, and it is unacceptable to strip individuals of this right due to spelling or technical mistakes. Haasan remarked that no power in a democracy is permanent, and the democratic system should not be imposed upon the people.
He reminded the audience that governments are not eternal. Future generations, especially Gen Z, are watching closely. He urged the government to take immediate action regarding the voter list issue, clarifying that this is not an attack on any individual or government, but rather a clash of ideas.
Sharing his life experiences, Haasan noted that he quickly realized that ground realities often do not align with the constitutional promise of India as a union of states.
He recalled the leader of the Dravidian movement, C.N. Annadurai (Anna), who taught him the importance of protecting language, culture, and rights. Haasan mentioned that in 1969, Annadurai recognized him as one of the intellectual heirs of his ideology.
Standing in the chamber, he expressed that he was trembling not from stage fright, but from the weight of memories and ideas. He identified Mahatma Gandhi, Periyar, and Annadurai as his ideological pillars, stating that he wishes to speak with reason rather than anger.
Haasan expressed gratitude for the occasion, calling it an honorable moment in his life. He thanked Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his allied parties for sending him to the Rajya Sabha. He concluded his speech in Tamil.