Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam decides not to contest in polls

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder and Rajya Sabha M.P., Kamal Haasan, on Tuesday said that the party wouldn’t be contesting the upcoming 2026 assembly elections but has decided to extend its full support to the secular progressive alliance led by the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Mr. Haasan said that the decision to extend the party’s support without contesting in the elections was not a “sacrifice” but a “duty”. 

Making the announcement in a statement, he said that MNM, which was involved in a seat negotiations with DMK, was asked to contest in DMK’s “Udhayasooriyan” symbol, instead of Makkal Needhi Maiam’s “Battery Torch” symbol.

“The negotiations with the DMK happened in two phases. Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and the DMK’s committee treated us with love and respect. The number of seats that was allotted to the party and the recommendation that we must contest in the “Rising Sun” symbol was not acceptable to myself and members of MNM,” he said.

Stating that he fully understand the DMK’s reasons for making such a recommendation, the alliance’s overall victory is paramount at a time when religious forces are trying to capture Tamil Nadu.

“The MNM’s Battery Torch symbol is an emotion to the Maiam supporters. It is not just a symbol, but our identity. I cannot disregard the feelings of those who have been with me for 9 years. When Tamil Nadu’s rights are being snatched away and Tamil people’s welfare is neglected, it is not right, as a brother, to seek my share. It is not a sacrifice but my duty. It is not self-interest, but patience,” he said.

Mr. Haasan said that “formation of Dravida Model 2.0 is a necessity today”.

“I will soon participate in the swearing in ceremony of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to congratulate him,” he said.