Chennai, June 6, 2025 - Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) President Kamal Haasan has officially filed his nomination to contest the biennial Rajya Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu, scheduled for June 19. The nomination, backed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), took place at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai, marking a significant moment in Haasan's political journey.

The filing was conducted in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior leaders from both MNM and DMK, underscoring the strategic alliance between the two parties. The DMK had earlier promised a Rajya Sabha seat to MNM in return for their support during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a commitment that has now been fulfilled.

This move is seen as a crucial development for Haasan, allowing him to have a voice in Parliament and influence national policies. It also strengthens the DMK-led INDIA bloc, which is expected to secure a comfortable victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, potentially winning four of the six seats available. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, each candidate requires a minimum of 34 votes to win a Rajya Sabha seat. The DMK alliance, with 158 MLAs, is well-positioned to achieve this.

Kamal Haasan's entry into the Rajya Sabha follows his launch of the Makkal Needhi Maiam in 2018, positioning it as an alternative to the dominant Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu, namely the DMK and AIADMK. While MNM did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha election, they actively campaigned for the DMK-led alliance, signaling a strategic partnership aimed at mutual political benefit.

The DMK has also named its three candidates for the Rajya Sabha election: poet Salma, incumbent Rajya Sabha MP and advocate P. Wilson, and S.R. Sivalingam. With the nominations filed, all six candidates are expected to be elected unopposed.

Haasan's political career, though relatively nascent, has been marked by efforts to bring about systemic change and citizen empowerment. MNM's agenda focuses on governance transparency, anti-corruption measures, and people-centric development. His presence in the Rajya Sabha is anticipated to amplify these concerns at the national level.

The elections for the six Rajya Sabha seats are necessitated by the retirement of current members on July 24, 2025, including key figures like Anbumani Ramadoss (PMK) and Vaiko (MDMK). The Election Commission had announced the schedule for the Rajya Sabha polls last month, setting the stage for the current political activity.

Kamal Haasan's move into national politics comes after a successful career in the film industry, where he has been celebrated as one of Indian cinema's most accomplished actors, filmmakers, and producers. His transition into politics reflects a broader trend of celebrities entering the political arena, aiming to leverage their popularity and influence for public service.

As Kamal Haasan prepares to take his seat in the Rajya Sabha, his supporters and political observers alike will be keenly watching to see how he navigates the complexities of national politics and advocates for the issues close to his heart.