Kamal Haasan Poised To Join Rajya Sabha Backed By DMK: MNM Confirms Candidacy With Unanimous Party Resolution

MNM Officially Nominates Kamal Haasan for Rajya Sabha Seat with DMK's Support: Kamal Haasan, president of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and a prominent figure in Tamil Nadu's political and cultural landscape, is set to enter the Rajya Sabha, with support from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). This development follows a resolution passed by MNM's executive and administrative committees, officially naming Kamal Haasan as the party's candidate for the upcoming Upper House elections.

The move comes as part of an electoral understanding between the MNM and the DMK during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As per the arrangement, one of the four Rajya Sabha seats the DMK is likely to secure in the June 19 elections will be allotted to MNM.

The DMK, which commands a majority in the Tamil Nadu Assembly along with its allies, is in a position to comfortably win four of the six Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant this cycle. The remaining two are expected to go to the AIADMK-led opposition, which also includes the BJP.

In a meeting held on May 28, MNM leaders unanimously endorsed Kamal Haasan's candidacy. The party, in its statement, also called upon alliance partners under the DMK-led coalition to extend their full support in ensuring Kamal Haasan's successful entry into Parliament.

Kamal Haasan Faces Backlash in Karnataka Over Controversial Language Remarks

Meanwhile, this political development comes in the backdrop of a fresh controversy surrounding Kamal Haasan. His remarks at the recent audio launch of Thug Life, a Tamil film directed by Mani Ratnam, sparked backlash in Karnataka. At the event, Kamal Haasan claimed that Kannada originated from Tamil, addressing Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, who was present. The statement led to sharp criticism from pro-Kannada groups and political figures, including Karnataka BJP chief Vijayendra Yediyurappa, who demanded a public apology.

Posters of Thug Life were reportedly torn down by protestors in Bengaluru, and the actor's comments were labeled divisive and historically inaccurate by his detractors.

Despite the controversy, Kamal Haasan's political path appears steady, with his entry into the Rajya Sabha now imminent. The formal election for the six Tamil Nadu seats in the Rajya Sabha is scheduled for June 19, 2025.