Kamal Haasan plays cards close to his chest over meeting with Mamata Banerjee, makes cryptic "political meeting" reference before departing for Kolkata

Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan will be meeting Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee on Monday in Kolkata, West Bengal. 

The actor has confirmed that he was traveling to the city to meet the West Bengal chief minister. He also said that the meeting was political in nature. 

The actor turned politician, before boarding the flight, said, "It is a political meeting and I will tell the purpose of the visit once I return."

Haasan on Sunday had announced that he would not contest in either of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls or the Tamil Nadu bypolls which will be held along with the General elections.

IN PICTURES | Makkal Needhi Maiam president Kamal Haasan Holds Public Meeting In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu

The Makkal Needhi Maiam president, however, put his weight behind the candidates of his party, suggesting he will provide them complete support in both the Lok Sabha elections as well as the assembly elections.

"A lot of forms were received where people expressed their wish for me to contest but according to me these are all my people. I take pride in lifting this palanquin rather than being on one. I have lot of work to do. I will work for the success of my candidates," the MNM chief said.

His decision comes after he held a public discussion in Coimbatore, wherein he made the announcement of the candidates who will fight the elections. MNM had invited applications from aspirants who wished to contest for the by-elections in the state.

The upcoming Lok Sabha polls will commence on April 11, will be held in seven phases, and conclude on May 19 with the counting of votes taking place on May 23.

Tamil Nadu as a state holds the third largest number of seats (39) in the lower house of the parliament. The election in the state will take place in a single phase, which will be held on April 18. The bypolls in the state will also be held at the same time.

READ | MNM Chief Kamal Hassan Declares - 'will Not Contest In Lok Sabha, Tamil Nadu By-poll Elections'