Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a constituent of the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, announced on Tuesday that it will not contest the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, instead extending unconditional support to all candidates of the alliance.

The decision comes after MNM members rejected the seat-sharing arrangement proposed by the DMK and the suggestion that MNM candidates contest under DMK’s Rising Sun symbol, which the party stated was unacceptable to its members.

Speaking to reporters, MNM founder Kamal Haasan said, “In today's difficult political environment, the number of seats that they (DMK) have promised to give us and the suggestion that we should contest under the Rising Sun symbol are not acceptable to the members of the MNM and to me.” He emphasised that politics is a continuous journey, and election outcomes are only part of the process, not the ultimate goal.

Haasan highlighted MNM’s previous contributions to the DMK-led alliance, noting that the party had actively supported the coalition in the last parliamentary elections, ensuring that MNM’s voice was heard in the Rajya Sabha. “We have maintained the alliance dharma while retaining our uniqueness,” he added.

While Haasan acknowledged the DMK leadership’s respect and courtesy during the seat-sharing negotiations, he stressed that the MNM’s torch symbol is more than just an emblem; it represents the party’s identity and the dedication of its members over the past nine years. “I cannot ignore the feelings of my workers, who have been travelling with me without any personal gain,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin lauded the MNM’s move as a “magnanimous decision”, saying it prioritised the welfare of the state over self-interest. Stalin expressed gratitude to Haasan and requested him to campaign across Tamil Nadu in support of the alliance’s candidates. “I don’t know how to express my gratitude to him. His decision has deeply moved me,” the CM said.

Haasan described MNM’s choice to abstain from the election as a duty rather than a sacrifice, aimed at fostering a “new political civilisation” and supporting the formation of a Dravidian Model 2.0 government, which he termed crucial for Tamil Nadu’s progress.

This strategic move strengthens the DMK-led alliance’s electoral prospects in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections while allowing MNM to maintain its political identity and grassroots support.

PTI