Kamal Haasan, five others elected unopposed to Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu

ANI June 13, 2025 507 views

Kamal Haasan has been elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha with DMK’s backing, marking his debut in national politics. The ruling DMK-led alliance secured four seats, while AIADMK won two. The actor-politician’s nomination was formalized in the presence of CM MK Stalin and key allies. MNM, which supported DMK in the 2024 polls, did not contest but gained representation through Haasan’s seat.

"Kamal Haasan’s election marks a milestone in his political journey" – Official Statement
Chennai, June 12: Kamal Haasan, president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), and five others were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu on Thursday.

Key Points

1

Kamal Haasan enters Rajya Sabha with DMK alliance backing

2

DMK’s Salma, Wilson, and Sivalingam also elected

3

AIADMK’s Inbadurai and Dhanapal win seats

4

MNM supported DMK in 2024 Lok Sabha polls

They received election certificates from the Returning Officer Subramani at the Chennai Secretariat.

The five others elected are DMK's Poet Salma (A Rokkaiah Malik), SR Sivalingam, P Wilson (who enters his second term), and AIADMK's IS Inbadurai and Dhanapal.

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and other MPs were present during the certificate distribution ceremony.

Kamal Haasan's election to the Upper House marks a significant milestone in his political journey, as he assumes a national legislative role for the first time.

He was nominated with the support of the ruling DMK-led alliance, which had promised him a Rajya Sabha seat in return for MNM's support during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Kamal Haasan filed his nomination on June 6 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, and DMK allies, including VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan, MDMK's Vaiko, and Tamil Nadu Congress chief Selvaperunthagai.

In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a candidate requires a minimum of 34 votes to win a Rajya Sabha seat. With 158 MLAs from the DMK-led INDIA bloc (DMK-133, Congress-17, VCK-4, CPI-2, CPM-2), the alliance was comfortably positioned to secure four seats.

The DMK had earlier announced Salma, P Wilson, and S R Sivalingam as its Rajya Sabha candidates.

MNM had not contested the 2024 Lok Sabha polls and had instead extended full support to the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. In the 2021 Assembly elections, MNM had secured 2.62 per cent of the vote share.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Great to see Kamal Haasan ji enter national politics! His progressive views and artistic background will bring fresh perspective to Rajya Sabha. Hope he raises important cultural and education issues 🤞
P
Priya M.
While I admire Kamal sir as an actor, this feels like political opportunism. MNM got just 2.6% votes but gets RS seat? What about smaller parties who worked harder? DMK is just using his star power.
S
Suresh V.
Poet Salma's election is historic! First Muslim woman from TN in Rajya Sabha. She's been voice of marginalized communities through her writings. Expect her to raise important social justice issues.
K
Kavita R.
Happy to see representation from Tamil Nadu increasing in Parliament. But why no opposition candidates? This unopposed trend makes democracy look like fixed match. Where's healthy debate?
A
Arjun T.
P Wilson is excellent choice for second term! His legal expertise helped pass many progressive bills. Hope he continues fighting for federal rights and Tamil Nadu's interests in Delhi.
M
Meena S.
As fan of Kamal Haasan's movies, I'm excited but nervous. Rajya Sabha needs serious lawmakers, not just celebrities. Hope he proves me wrong and works hard like his film commitments! 💪

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Tags:
Kamal Haasan Rajya Sabha Tamil Nadu DMK MNM AIADMK Udhayanidhi Stalin