Leading Tamil actor R Sarathkumar on Tuesday said he would form a political party before this year end to propagate the idols of Congress leader the late K Kamaraj.
The actor had laid a foundation stone for a memorial for Kamaraj at Virudunagar on Sunday last.
"The youth should be inspired by the principles of the late leader, who was known for his simplicity and transparency throughout his public life. My party will assist them to imbibe his qualities," Sarathkumar, who is president of the South Indian Artistes association, told PTI in Chennai.
The actor said that his party will adhere to the basic principles of the late leader, who had brought glory not only to the Nadar community, but also to the entire nation.
His fans association, various associations of Nadars and other backward communities would be amalgamated to form the party, he said.
Sarathkumar, who had stints in both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, said these parties had used him for 'campaigning' and had not given him any responsibility to serve the people.
His new political outfit would help him work for the uplift of the downtrodden, Sarathkumar said.
He said the youth today were unaware of the 'legacy of Kamaraj, who was 'a total visionary.'
Sarathkumar said that he would work for 'civilised polity' in the state, something which was sorely lacking now. Political parties were suspicious of party workers having contacts with volunteers of other parties, he said, adding that there was a need for a 'new mindset' for leaders to practice civilised politics.
Asked whether there was room for his party in the already overcrowded political arena, Sarathkumar said people wanted a change which his party will provide, as it will pursue policies and programmes not adopted by other parties.
Coalitions had become the order of the day and his party will definitely contribute its bit in the present political situation, the actor said.
"I, along with a core group of leaders of all communities, will tour the state from next month before announcing the formation of the party. However the party will be formed only before the end of this year," he said.
Asked whether he would go in for an alliance with other parties, Sarathkumar said he would think it over at the time of elections.
Asked whether he would give up acting, he said he will do so only after plunging full time into politics.
"I have seven films on hand and my immediate priority will be to complete them," he added.