Kamal Haasan Set to Enter Rajya Sabha Backed by DMK; MNM Passes Resolution for Nomination

Chennai: In a significant political development, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is poised to enter the Rajya Sabha with the support of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu. The DMK, as part of its pre-poll alliance with Haasan’s party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), has allotted one of its four available seats in the upcoming Upper House elections to the MNM.

Confirming the move, the MNM passed a resolution nominating party founder Kamal Haasan as its candidate to the Rajya Sabha. This marks a major milestone in Haasan’s political journey, which began in 2018 when he launched MNM with a vision of ushering in “alternative politics” rooted in transparency and people-centric governance.

The DMK formally revealed its candidates on Tuesday for the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled later this year. Senior advocate P Wilson, poet and writer Salma, and veteran party leader and former minister SR Sivalingam will be DMK’s official nominees. The fourth seat, as per the agreement, will go to MNM’s nominee, Haasan.

Announcing the party’s decision, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin said, “This alliance reflects our commitment to inclusive politics. Allocating a seat to MNM honours our electoral pact ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and strengthens our shared vision for Tamil Nadu and India.”

On July 24, 2025, six members from Tamil Nadu, including PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and MDMK chief Vaiko, will retire from the Rajya Sabha. Based on its strength in the State Assembly and that of its allies, the DMK-led alliance is expected to comfortably win four of these seats. The opposition AIADMK, with support from its allies including the BJP, is expected to secure the remaining two.