New Delhi, June 4: Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan marked his first difference with Rajinikanth, fellow new-entrant in state politics, saying he does not agrees with the latter's view on Sterlite protests.

On Rajinikanth's claim that a section of anti-social elements had joined the anti-Sterlite agitation to create anarchy, Haasan said, "I differ with Rajinikanth, If protesters are anti-social, so am I."

Haasan further marked his dissent against Rajinikanth's assertion that Tamil Nadu should "not be protesting on all issues". "Protests are essential part of the Gandhian democracy," he added.

Haasan, however, clarified that he is not a supporter of violent demonstrations. "If there is violence in protests, it (violence) should reduce. But protests should neither reduce nor stop," he added.

Rajinikanth, while speaking on the Sterlite issue, said Tamil Nadu should be selective when it comes to agitations as protests on all issues will "turn the state into a graveyard".

Both Haasan and Rajinikanth entered into politics earlier this year. While the latter has called for "spiritual politics" to cleanse Tamil Nadu of "corruption", Haasan has pitched for a "centrist" approach, apart from promising to end the freebie culture.

Sterlite protests

The agitation erupted after Sterlite Group, a majority-owned subsidiary of UK-based Vedanta, announced it would smelting 8,00,000 tonnes of copper from this year -- double of its current output.

The move drew ire from locals as well as environmental activists who raised concern over "irreparable damage" to ground water resources if Sterlite is allowed to double its production.

In a demonstration held in Tuticorin on May 24, 13 protesters were gunned down by the state police personnel. The killing sparked protest in all parts of Tamil Nadu. The agitation was quelled only after the AIADMK government ordered the closure of the Sterlite unit.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 04, 2018 02:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).