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Vijay's TVK Gets Whistle, Kamal Haasan's MNM Keeps Battery Torch for 2026

The Election Commission has allotted the 'whistle' as the election symbol for actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Meanwhile, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) will continue to use the 'battery torch' symbol it used in the 2021 polls. The symbols are seen as vital for establishing party identity and voter recall, especially for TVK as a new entrant. This allocation marks a key milestone as both parties ramp up preparations for the upcoming state elections.

Key Points: Election Symbols for Vijay's TVK, Kamal Haasan's MNM in Tamil Nadu

  • TVK allotted 'whistle' symbol
  • MNM retains 'battery torch'
  • Symbols crucial for party identity
  • Preparations for 2026 TN polls advance
  • Focus shifts to alliances and campaigns
2 min read

Vijay's TVK gets whistle, Kamal Hassan's MNM retains battery torch as symbols for 2026 TN polls allocated

Election Commission allots 'whistle' to Vijay's TVK and 'battery torch' to Kamal Haasan's MNM for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

"The whistle symbol reflects TVK's stated political message of vigilance, accountability, and raising a strong voice - Party Sources"

Chennai, Jan 22

With preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections gaining momentum, the Election Commission of India has allotted election symbols to two high-profile political parties, giving much-needed clarity ahead of the poll battle.

The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-politician Vijay, has been allotted the 'whistle' as its common election symbol, while the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) of Kamal Haasan will contest under the 'battery torch' symbol.

The Election Commission's decision to allot the whistle symbol to the TVK, a registered but unrecognised political party gearing up for its first Assembly election, follows its request for a common symbol for all its candidates across Tamil Nadu.

The allocation of a single, easily identifiable symbol is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the party's organisational structure and voter outreach. According to party sources, the whistle symbol reflects TVK's stated political message of vigilance, accountability, and raising a strong voice against corruption and misgovernance.

With Vijay's entry into politics already drawing significant attention, the whistle is expected to play an important role in establishing the party's identity, especially among young voters and those looking for an alternative to established Dravidian parties.

At the same time, the Election Commission has allotted the battery torch symbol to the MNM, continuing the symbol the party used during the 2021 Assembly elections.

The MNM had approached the Commission seeking the same symbol for 2026, emphasising continuity and voter familiarity. The approval brings clarity for the party as it prepares its next phase of political mobilisation. Founded in 2018 by Kamal Haasan, MNM projects itself as a reformist and issue-based political platform. Though the party did not secure any Assembly seat in the previous election, its leadership believes retaining the battery torch symbol will help reinforce recall value and consolidate its support base in the forthcoming polls.

With symbols now finalised for both the TVK and the MNM, political focus is expected to shift to candidate announcements, campaign narratives, and possible alliance dynamics. As new-age parties seek to expand their footprint in Tamil Nadu's competitive political arena, the allocation of election symbols marks an important early milestone on the road to the 2026 Assembly elections.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Good that MNM retained the battery torch. Voter recognition is half the battle. Kamal Haasan's party needs consistency if it wants to be seen as a serious, long-term player and not a flash in the pan.
A
Arun Y
Symbols matter, but what matters more is the manifesto and ground work. Both these parties are strong on screen presence but weak on grassroots organization. Let's see if they can build a proper cadre beyond their fan clubs.
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Sarah B
Interesting to watch from outside. The whistle for "blowing the whistle" on corruption is very direct messaging. Tamil Nadu politics is always so vibrant and symbolic!
K
Kavya N
Thalaivar Vijay's whistle vs. Kamal sir's torch! The 2026 election campaign visuals are going to be very catchy. But I hope the debate moves beyond symbols to actual issues like water, jobs, and infrastructure.
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Manish T
With respect to both actors, I have my doubts. We've seen this before—big entry, big symbols, but then poor electoral performance. The established parties have a strong hold. Breaking that requires more than a good symbol.

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