Actor-politician Kamal Haasan is set to take oath as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha today, July 25, 2025. The Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief, while speaking to the media, affirmed his commitment to fulfilling his duties with honor as an Indian.

Haasan's entry into the Rajya Sabha marks a significant milestone for his party, the MNM, as this will be the first time the party will have a representative in the Upper House since its establishment in 2018. His election to the Rajya Sabha was secured with the support of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. He was one of the four candidates put forward by the ruling alliance for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections that occurred in June. The DMK had also nominated incumbent MP P. Wilson, poet and writer Rajathi alias Salma, and SR Sivalingam. All four candidates from the DMK-led alliance were elected unopposed, highlighting the alliance's strong majority in the state assembly. Alongside Haasan, from the opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), former Members of Parliament IS Inbadurai and M Dhanapal were also elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha.

Kamal Haasan's political journey began in 2018 when he founded the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party, with a vision of offering an alternative form of governance. The party contested 37 seats in the 2019 Indian general elections but did not win any. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, MNM ran candidates in 142 constituencies, and Haasan committed that he would not form an alliance with either DMK or AIADMK. However, the party did not win any seats in that election either, with Haasan himself losing to BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan in the Coimbatore South Assembly constituency by a narrow margin. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, MNM aligned with the DMK-led alliance.

Political observers suggest that Haasan's alignment with the DMK reflects a strategic move where the DMK saw more value in projecting Haasan as a star campaigner. Despite his political engagements, Haasan has continued to be active in the film industry. His recent movie "Thug Life" reached theaters on June 5, 2025.

Prior to taking his oath, Haasan met with fellow superstar Rajinikanth to share news about his new journey. Rajinikanth congratulated Kamal Haasan on his achievement.

Kamal Haasan's entry into the Rajya Sabha is anticipated to bring a fresh perspective to national legislative discussions, considering his status as a cultural icon and his dedication to progressive politics. His presence is also expected to strengthen the representation of the DMK-led alliance in the Upper House.