Kamal Haasan’s MNM opts out of 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, backs DMK-led alliance

In a major development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) has decided not to contest the polls and will instead extend unconditional support to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance.

The announcement came as the DMK and its allies finalised their seat-sharing arrangement for the الانتخابات.

Haasan said the party was dissatisfied with both the number of seats offered and the proposal to contest under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol.

“In the current challenging political climate, the number of seats offered to us and the suggestion to contest under the Rising Sun symbol are not acceptable to me or to the members of Makkal Needhi Maiam,” he said.

He made it clear that the party would stay out of the electoral contest.

“Therefore, we openly and clearly announce that Makkal Needhi Maiam will not contest directly in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, and will extend unconditional support to the candidates of the DMK-led alliance,” Haasan added.

Thanking party workers, he said the decision was taken in line with their sentiments and faith, calling them “a shining example of selfless politics.”

Haasan also expressed confidence in the DMK’s return to power, saying he expected to soon congratulate Chief Minister M. K. Stalin at his swearing-in.

Reacting to the move, Stalin said Haasan met him at Anna Arivalayam and conveyed MNM’s decision in person.

“We interacted not just as leaders of two political movements, but as good friends… He said, ‘This is not a sacrifice, but a duty’ — but in reality, what he has done is indeed a sacrifice,” Stalin said.

He thanked Haasan and MNM members, expressing hope that the actor-politician would campaign across the state and contribute to shaping a “Dravidian Model 2.0” government.

Meanwhile, the DMK-led alliance has finalised its seat-sharing formula. The Indian National Congress will contest 28 seats, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) eight, and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) 10. The Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) have been allotted five seats each.

Other allies include Vaiko’s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) with four seats, while the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), and Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK) have been allotted two seats each.