In a major political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has decided not to contest the polls, citing dissatisfaction over the seat-sharing arrangement with the DMK-led alliance. Despite the disagreement over the number of seats allocated to MNM and the proposal to contest under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol, Haasan’s party has pledged unconditional support to the alliance, leaving an open declaration that they would back the DMK candidates in the elections.
The announcement came after Haasan’s meeting with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The finalization of the DMK alliance’s seat-sharing arrangements saw various allies receiving their respective constituencies, but MNM was reportedly unhappy with the terms. Kamal Haasan made it clear that the terms offered were not acceptable to him or his party. In a statement, he said, “The number of seats and the suggestion to contest under the Rising Sun symbol are not acceptable to me or to the members of Makkal Needhi Maiam. Therefore, we will not contest the elections directly but will extend our support to DMK-led alliance candidates.”
The decision has garnered both praise and mixed reactions. Kamal Haasan expressed gratitude to his party workers, acknowledging their emotions and faith in the political movement. He emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly and was made out of respect for the party workers' sentiments. He further expressed confidence in the DMK’s success, stating that he hoped to meet and congratulate Chief Minister MK Stalin during his swearing-in ceremony.
Reacting to the decision, Chief Minister MK Stalin praised Kamal Haasan’s stance, calling it a sacrifice for the greater good of Tamil Nadu. Stalin expressed his heartfelt gratitude and hoped that Haasan would campaign for the DMK-led alliance across the state. He added that Haasan’s decision to set aside self-interest would be remembered as a historic moment in Tamil Nadu’s political history.
The DMK alliance has now finalized its seat-sharing formula, with key allies such as Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) being allocated seats. The election date is set for April 23, 2026, with the vote counting scheduled for May 4.
