Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, founder and president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), officially filed his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections from Tamil Nadu on Friday. His candidacy is supported by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), marking a significant alliance between the two parties.

The nomination event took place at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in Chennai, attended by Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and other senior leaders. This move is seen as a strategic step for MNM ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Alongside Haasan, the DMK announced three other nominees for the Rajya Sabha:

P. Wilson, a senior advocate and incumbent MP, known for his legal contributions to the party.

Rokiah Malik, popularly known as Salma, an award-winning Tamil writer and poet.

S.R. Sivalingam, a former legislator from Salem.

The Rajya Sabha elections are scheduled for June 19, 2025. Given the current composition of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, all six candidates—four from the DMK-led alliance and two from the AIADMK—are expected to be elected unopposed.

Kamal Haasan’s nomination comes shortly after the release of his film “Thug Life,” directed by Mani Ratnam. The film’s promotion included a controversial remark by Haasan regarding the origins of the Kannada language, which sparked debates in linguistic and political circles.

This political development signifies a strategic move for MNM ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, strengthening its alliance with the DMK and marking Kamal Haasan’s entry into national politics.