Chennai, May 13: Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan on Sunday said 'Hindu' Nathuram Godse was the first terrorist of Independent India, a statement that will trigger a political row. Addressing a crowd while campaigning in Tamil Nadu's Aravakurichi assembly seat, Kamal Haasan also said that he didn't make the statement to woo Muslim voters in the constituency.

"I am not saying this because many Muslims are here. I am saying this in front of Mahatma Gandhi's statue. The first terrorist in independent India was a Hindu, his name was Nathuram Godse," said Kamal Haasan. Nathuram Godse assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in Delhi on January 30, 1948. Kamal Haasan made controversial remarks while campaigning in Avarakurichi with S Mohanraj, his party's candidate for the by-poll on May 19. 'Terrorism Symbol of Struggle And Sacrifice': Madhya Pradesh BJP Chief Rakesh Singh Makes Major Gaffe - Watch Video.

"I have come to question that killing -- think about it that way," Kamal Haasan said. "Good Indians," he added, want to India to be equal and peaceful, and have "all three colours" of the tricolour. "I am a good Indian," he said. The term 'Hindu terror' has been a topic of discussion during this election season since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fielded Pragya Singh Thakur, a key accused in 2008 Malegaon blast case, from Bhopal. Ramdev Calls Pragya Singh Thakur 'Nationalist', Says 'Jail Torture Caused Her Cancer'.

The BJP accuses the Congress and especially Digvijaya Singh of coining the term 'Hindu terrorism' or 'saffron terrorism' to defame Hinduism, the charge dismissed by the grand old party. In a recent interview, Digvijaya Singh denied the charge that he coined the term 'Hindu terrorism' and said that he had used the word 'Sanghi terrorism'.

"Hindus cannot be terrorists. It is against the ethos of Hinduism," he said. The Congress leader also said it is a BJP leader who coined the term 'Hindu terrorism'. He was apparently referring to R K Singh, a Union home secretary during the UPA regime who later joined the BJP and became a minister.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 13, 2019 10:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).