During his campaign speech for Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) candidate Mohanraj in Aravakuruchi constituency, MNM's President, Kamal Haasan said, "I am not saying this because Muslims live here in larger numbers, but I am saying this in front of the Gandhi statue. The first terrorist of this independent India was a Hindu. His name was Nathuram Godse. I am Gandhi’s great-grandson at heart. Now I am here, questioning his murder. A good Indian’s wish is that this nation should have equality and reconciliation, and it should sustain all three colours in the tricolour flag. I can proudly say that I am a good Indian.”
During his campaign speech for Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) candidate Mohanraj in Aravakuruchi constituency, MNM's President, Kamal Haasan said, "I am not saying this because Muslims live here in larger numbers, but I am saying this in front of the Gandhi statue. The first terrorist of this independent India was a Hindu. His name was Nathuram Godse. I am Gandhi’s great-grandson at heart. Now I am here, questioning his murder. A good Indian’s wish is that this nation should have equality and reconciliation, and it should sustain all three colours in the tricolour flag. I can proudly say that I am a good Indian.”
Kamal Haasan's comment on the first terrorist being a Hindy sparked off a huge furore amidst the BJP circles. BJP condemned his speech and demanded that the Election Commission and police take proper action against Kamal Haasan. In an official statement released by the Tamil Nadu BJP leader, Tamilisai Sounderrajan condemning the speech, she said, "The whole nation was in shock at Mahatma Gandhi’s murder. It cannot be justified in any way. Godse was hanged for committing such a heinous crime. But Kamal Haasan used the words “Hindu Terrorism” in a place where the Muslim population is more.
He also mentioned that India’s first terrorist was a Hindu. This is severely condemnable. Kamal Haasan is boasting that he is adopting a new kind of politics, but he is using the same old poisonous technique of dividing votes. By this, he himself has showcased his meanness. Mahatma Gandhi lived a disciplined life. But Kamal who is not disciplined doesn’t possess any qualities to claim himself as Gandhi’s great-grandson. This kind of talk to attract people and ignite religious violence and threats is deeply condemnable. People who did not condemn the bomb blast in the neighbouring country, knowing well that Muslims were the reason behind it, did not comment then saying it is "Muslim Terrorism." When such tragedies occur across the world due to people of a particular religion, the public and leaders lamented that there is no religion for terrorism. But now, they are raking up an issue that died long ago and also saying it with the prefix "Hindu." How can we accept such statements?" read the TN BJP leader's statement.
"The Election Commission (EC) has appointed a video surveillance team to capture unethical comments made during election campaigns. This is to take action against such comments. Hence, EC should take proper action against such comments. Few campaigns were banned in North India for such comments. Visiting a Muslim area and mentioning "Hindu Terrorism" is Kamal’s poisonous and intentional statement. Hence, campaigns with such mean intentions should be banned. Police should take action against him legally since he is trying to create a terror situation. Kamal who once said that he would go out of this country when one of his movies was banned is now speaking about the nation, Gandhi and patriotism which is absolute political drama. Kamal who did not get any chances to act thus in his movies, is now propagating whatever he himself knows is highly condemnable," stated the BJP release.