"Confident Of Sending MLAs To Tamil Nadu Assembly In 2026": Kamal Haasan

Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan voiced optimism that his political party will secure representation in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by 2026, as he conducts extensive consultations with party officials from both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

"These consultations aim to identify our strongest constituencies and further reinforce them for everyone's benefit. We are optimistic about sending MLAs to the Tamil Nadu Assembly in 2026 and are diligently working toward that goal," Mr Haasan shared with NDTV.

Having established MNM in 2018 as an alternative political force to the dominant Dravidian parties, Mr Haasan is now overseeing the organization's first electoral strategy development as a coalition partner of the ruling DMK.

Despite not having secured any electoral victories thus far, including his own narrow defeat to BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan in Coimbatore South during the 2021 elections, Mr Haasan emphasized that the current priority is strengthening the party's foundation for sustainable growth.

Mr Haasan stressed the importance for MNM workers to maintain a balance between political activities and their personal livelihoods, encouraging party members not to compromise their financial stability for party responsibilities.

"I'm simply requesting dedicated time periods. Party workers should support themselves through their regular employment and then contribute to national service—not sacrifice their livelihoods," he explained.

Addressing national political matters, Mr Haasan called on the Election Commission to thoroughly investigate Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's serious allegations regarding "vote theft," claims that the electoral body has refuted.

"The Election Commission should investigate Rahul Gandhi's accusations properly. Even the British denied their falsehoods," Mr Haasan observed, making a pointed historical comparison.

Mr Haasan formed an alliance with the DMK before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, describing the partnership as a "necessity of the moment" to challenge the BJP's influence.

Subsequently, the DMK awarded him a Rajya Sabha seat, widely interpreted as acknowledgment of his political support.