Prakash Raj to contest 2019 Lok Sabha elections; tweets 'Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR'

South Indian actor Prakash Raj threw everyone in a loop on New Year's when he announced that he will be contesting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections as an independent candidate.

The Kollywood superstar tweeted on Monday saying: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE..a new beginning .. more responsibility.. with UR support I will be contesting in the coming parliament elections as an INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE. Details of the constituency soon. Ab ki baar Janatha ki SARKAR #citizensvoice #justasking in parliament too.."

Prakash Raj's entry is the most recent addition to the trend established one year ago by acclaimed Tamil actor Rajinikanth. Kamal Hasan had also joined the bandwagon, taking his rivalry with the superstar from the silver screen to the political arena.

The South Indian actor who starred in over 50 films is not a stranger to controversy. He is very well known for voicing out his opinion and has appeared on a number of debates against politicians, one of his most memorable one going against BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.

This announcement took everyone by surprise since the national award winner had earlier said that he is not planning on joining politics. However, the Twitterati took it in their stride congratulating him on his foray into politics and wishing him good luck.