"It's still going on": MNM chief Kamal Haasan on seat-sharing talks with DMK ahead of elections
Chennai, March 20
Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Friday said he is continuing talks with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on seat-sharing for the assembly elections.
He added that while the number of seats given to allies may be less, staying in the DMK-led alliance is important for the country.
Speaking to the reporters, Haasan said, "I have come for that only, it's still going on. I will update you all on it."
When asked about DMK giving a lesser number of seats to allies, he said, "I have already said this in Madurai. I feel this is my duty, that it's not important what I get. But this (DMK-led alliance) is much needed for the country. That's the same reason we are continuing in DMK Alliance."
Haasan reached a hotel in Chennai's Anna Nagar for the consultative meeting regarding the Assembly elections.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that Tamil Nadu would go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4.
The Model Code of Conduct has come into effect immediately, with the initiation of the election process for the 234-member state assembly, whose current tenure ends on May 10.
The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Vijay is also set to make his political debut in this election with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and will look to turn the polls into a triangular contest.
The Union Territory of Puducherry is all set to hold the 2026 Assembly Election on April 9 in a single phase, with counting of votes scheduled to take place on May 4.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a Tamilian, I appreciate his sentiment, but MNM should get a fair share. DMK can't take smaller allies for granted every time. We need strong voices like Kamal sir's in the assembly, not just symbolic presence. 🤔
The real story is Vijay's entry! TVK could be a game-changer and split anti-incumbency votes. This election is getting more interesting than a Kollywood plot. 🍿
Watching from Delhi, it's fascinating how Tamil Nadu politics always has this dramatic, alliance-based calculus. Kamal Haasan's statement about duty over seats is refreshingly principled in the often-cynical world of elections.
He says it's for the country, but let's be real, it's also about political survival. MNM hasn't made a big splash on its own. Aligning with DMK is the only way to stay relevant. Smart, but not entirely selfless.
Hope this alliance works on the ground. Last time there was some confusion among voters. Clarity in seat sharing early is good for cadre morale. All the best to Kamal sir! 👍
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