MNM chief Kamal Hassan declares - 'will not contest in Lok Sabha, Tamil Nadu by-poll elections'

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Hassan has announced that he would not contest in either of the the upcoming Lok Sabha polls or the Tamil Nadu bypolls which will be held along with the General elections.

The actor-turned-politician though, has put his weight behind the candidates of his party, suggesting he will provide them complete support in both the elections.

"A lot of forms were received where people expressed their wish for me to contest but according to me these are all my people. I take pride in lifting this palanquin rather than being on one. I have lot of work to do. I will work for the success of my candidates," the MNM chief said.

The upcoming Lok Sabha polls will commence on April 11, will be held in seven phases, and conclude on May 19 with the counting of votes taking place on May 23. Tamil Nadu as a state holds the third lagest number of seats (39) in the lower house of the parliament. The election in the state will take place in a single phase, which will be held on April 18. The bypolls in the state will also be held at the same time.

READ: IN PICTURES | Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan Holds Public Meeting In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

His decision comes after he held a public discussion in Coimbatore, wherein he made the announcement of the candidates who fill fight the elections. MNM had invited applications from aspirants who wished to contest for the by-elections in the state.