Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam decides not to contest in polls

Makkal Needhi Maiam founder and Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan on Tuesday said that the party will not contest the upcoming 2026 assembly elections but has decided to extend its full support to the DMK-led secular progressive alliance in Tamil Nadu. Mr. Haasan said the decision to increase the party’s support without contesting the elections was not a “sacrifice” but a “duty”.

Making the announcement in the statement, he said that MNM’s Makkal Needhi Maiam, who participated in seat talks with DMK, was invited to contest with DMK’s “Udhayasooriyan” symbol instead of “Battery Torch” symbol.

“Negotiations with DMK took place in two phases. The Prime Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and the DMK committee treated us with love and respect. The number of seats allocated to the party and the suggestion that we contest on the ‘Rising Sun’ symbol were not acceptable to me and the MNM members,” he said.

Stating that he fully understood the reasons why the DMK made such a recommendation, he said that the overall victory of the alliance was very important at a time when religious forces were trying to take over Tamil Nadu.

“MNM’s Battery Torch symbol is a feeling for Maiam supporters. It is not just a symbol but also our identity. I cannot ignore the feelings of those who have been with me for 9 years. While the rights of Tamil Nadu are being taken away and the welfare of the Tamil people is being ignored, it is not right to ask for my share as a brother. This is not a sacrifice, it is my duty. It is not self-interest but patience,” he said.

Mr. Haasan said, “Creating Dravida Model 2.0 is a necessity today.”

“I will soon attend the swearing-in ceremony to congratulate Prime Minister MK Stalin,” he said.