Kamal Haasan stokes raging controversy, says 'free India's first terrorist was a Hindu' in reference to Nathuram Godse

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan triggered a massive controversy on Sunday night, telling crowd at his rally that free India's first terrorist was a Hindu, in reference to Mahatma Gandhi's assailant Nathuram Godse.

actor-turned-politician was addressing a rally at Aravakurichi - one of four assembly constituencies in state where bypolls are scheduled to be held on May 19 concurrently with seventh and final st of voting in 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Making open references to various religions, Kamal Haasan put forth that he was among 'proud Indians' who desire a nation that espouses equality and where 'three colours' of Tricolour remain intact.

"I am t saying this because this is a Muslim-dominated area," Haasan prefaced his remarks, adding, "but I am saying this before a statue of Gandhi. Free India's first terrorist was a Hindu, his name is Nathuram Godse. re it began.".

"I'll thump my heart and say that I'm a good Indian and any good Indian will want country to be peaceful and equal for all. y will always want three colours of national flag to remain same as ever," he elaborated. 

This isn't first time that Haasan has spoken about this specific matter. In 2017 he had made remarks about 'Hindu extremism' which were met by outr from BJP and various Hindu outfits. On this occasion as well, Kamal Haasan has been met with opposition.

Rajya Sabha MP Prof Rakesh Sinha has tweeted on MNM chief's remarks, accusing him of targeting his remarks in order to win votes. He has sought an apology:

Sulur, Aravakurichi, Thirupprankundram and Ottapidaram are four Tamil Nadu assembly seats where by-polls will be held on May 19. Eighteen or bypolls have already been held on April 18, with results which will be key to determining fate of EPS-led AIADMK government in state to be declared on May 23 along with general election results. AIADMK has 113 out of 235 seats in assembly (one is a minated seat) while DMK has 88. Congress has eight and re are two independents along with 22 vacant seats.