Cyclone Gaja: Kamal Hassan asks Kerala CM to rise above politics, extend support to TN

Actor-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan has written a letter to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asking him to provide full support to the citizens of Tamil Nadu who were affected by the cyclone Gaja.

Stating that "cyclone Gaja has caused widespread damage and destruction to life and property" in the Cauvery delta and coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Hassan asked Vijayan to "rise above politics and other affiliations to demonstrate a true spirit of human kindness".

He further stated that his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam has appealed to the Kerala government and its people to come forward and help "Tamil Nadu stand up on its feet again."

Cyclone Gaja left a trail of destruction in Tamil Nadu about two weeks ago claiming lives of as many as 46 people apart from causing huge damage to properties and live-stocks.

Hassan in his letter added that it is the need of the hour to stand with Tamil Nadu and "being humane is the fulcrum of humanity".

"It is during times of strife that human benevolence shines brighter. We should start the process to rehabilitate and restore a sense of normalcy to our fellow brethren. Damage to crops, standing trees and boats is so expensive that the very source for our farmers and fishermen has been uprooted," he stated.