MNM opts out of Lok Sabha elections; Kamal Haasan's party joins DMK-led alliance for one Rajya Sabha seat

After getting one seat for the Rajya Sabha 2025 polls, actor Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) on Saturday joined the ruling DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu and extended its support for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

"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 the party's general secretary Arunachalam after meeting with DMK.

Haasan and the ruling party President and Chief Minister M K Stalin finalised the deal at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam in Chennai.


"My party and I are not contesting this election. But we will give all cooperation to this alliance. We have joined hands as this is not just for a position, this is for the nation," said the actor. He added that

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.

MNM had faced the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections by itself but drew a blank in the hustings.

(with agency inputs)