Tamil Nadu: Kamal Haasan's Party Joins INDIA Block As DMK Seals Alliance Deal; Cong To Contest 9 Seats, MNM Gets 1 RS Seat

Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan's party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, officially joined the INDIA block on Saturday. The senior alliance partner in the state, the DMK, sealed the seat-sharing deal with allies, according to reports. Congress has reportedly been allocated 9 seats, matching their previous tally in the Lok Sabha polls. Meanwhile, MNM has been assured 1 Rajya Sabha seat, potentially marking the actor's parliamentary debut.

One RS seat for MNM in 2025

Haasan on Saturday arrived at the DMK office in Chennai and was spotted with Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin.

"Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is not contesting (the Lok Sabha elections), the party will support and campaign. One seat for MNM in Rajya Sabha (in 2025)," said MNM's general secretary Arunachalam after meeting with DMK.

In the midst of conjecture surrounding the potential allocation of seats for Haasan's party in the Parliamentary elections, the DMK granted MNM one seat for the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections. Haasan and the President of the ruling party and Chief Minister, M K Stalin, concluded the agreement at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam.

Haasan extends full support to alliance

Speaking to reporters after clinching the deal, Haasan said his move to join the alliance was done for the sake of the country and not for any consideration for post.

He extended his party's "full support" to the alliance.

MNM will do campaign related work in the 39 Lok Sabha seats in TN and the lone Puducherry segment, according to the understanding arrived at by the two leaders.

(With inputs from PTI)

Published on: Saturday, March 09, 2024, 01:37 PM IST