Haasan backs actor Suriya, condemns BJP, AIADMK leaders

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan Wednesday came out in support of actor Suriya Sivakumar who was slammed by the BJP and AIADMK for criticising some provisions of the Centre's draft national education policy. The actor-politician said his colleague in Tamil film industry has the right to talk about the policy.

"Brother Suriya and his family members have been helping poor and middle-class students. So he has the right to talk about education. He has my support," Haasan said. In a statement, he said the Makkal Needhi Maiam condemned the BJP and AIADMK for criticising Suriya who expressed his opinion about the draft NEP, which was released to seek public opinion.

Backing Suriya, the 64-year-old actor said he agreed with several points raised by the former on the draft national education policy. After criticising some provisions of the draft NEP at an event last week, Suriya reportedly came under attack from State Information Minister Kadambur Raju and senior BJP leaders Tamilisai Soundararajan and H Raja.

Suriya said some provisions in the policy would disadvantage students in rural areas. He also claimed that the policy's key focus was only on entrance examinations instead of providing equitable and quality education.