Renowned actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan is all set to become a member of the Rajya Sabha, backed by Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The 70-year-old political figure will be nominated to the Upper House as part of a seat-sharing agreement between the DMK and MNM, formed ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The DMK, which is expected to win four of the six Rajya Sabha seats up for grabs from Tamil Nadu, has allocated one seat to Haasan’s party. The move reflects the party’s electoral pact with MNM, as confirmed in a release by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who also heads the DMK. The MNM has passed a resolution formally approving Haasan’s nomination.
Alongside Haasan, the DMK has named senior advocate P. Wilson, noted poet and writer Salma, and former minister S.R. Sivalingam as its Rajya Sabha candidates. Wilson has played a key role in several of the DMK’s legal victories, including the recent Supreme Court case against Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi.
Haasan, who entered politics in 2018 with a vision of alternative governance, joined the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) earlier this year. He actively campaigned for the DMK during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and is expected to play a prominent role in the party’s Assembly poll campaigns going forward.
In a brief statement to the media in Thiruvananthapuram, Haasan expressed gratitude for the DMK’s support, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity."
A senior DMK leader said, “We are confident of winning four seats. Haasan will secure one of them. The remaining three candidates have been finalised.” The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled for 19 June 2025.
Also read: Mani Ratnam praises Kamal Haasan’s passion for cinema
Meanwhile, the fate of other contenders remains uncertain. Former Union minister and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss is unlikely to retain his seat due to lack of support from major Dravidian parties. The AIADMK, currently allied with the BJP, is expected to win the remaining two seats.
Of the six members retiring from the Rajya Sabha in July 2025, the list includes prominent leaders such as Anbumani Ramadoss and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) chief Vaiko.
Haasan recently sparked controversy with comments made during a promotional event for his upcoming film Thug Life. Speaking in Chennai, he remarked that “Kannada was born out of Tamil,” a statement that triggered backlash in Karnataka. The remark was made in the presence of Kannada actor Shivarajkumar, with Haasan emphasising linguistic and cultural ties between the two states.
BJP Karnataka state president Vijayendra Yediyurappa criticised Haasan’s comments as “uncultured,” accusing him of disrespecting the Kannada language and hurting the sentiments of over 6.5 crore Kannadigas. He also demanded a public apology from the actor.
Despite the controversy, Haasan’s political profile continues to grow, with his upcoming nomination to the Rajya Sabha marking a significant milestone in his journey from the silver screen to Parliament.
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