Constant vigil is necessary in a democracy, says Kamal Haasan

MNM laments that people were not participating in the process

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan on Saturday said “constant vigil” was necessary to keep democracy alive. Speaking at a webinar on “Autonomy of local bodies”, organised by his party to celebrate National Panchayati Raj Day, Mr. Haasan said that the “mindset” of the people had been reduced to that of a 12-year-old kid who thought that everything would be taken care of by the parents. Mr. Haasan alleged that the “100 day guaranteed work scheme” in rural Tamil Nadu had become an eyewash as the wages earned by the beneficiaries were immediately spent in Tasmac liquor shops. Mr. Haasan said, “Just like how we popularised gram sabhas, we have to do the same for urban local bodies. We did not invent gram sabhas, we reinvigorated them. It is okay if the AIADMK and the DMK come forward and compete with us in this.”