DMK likely to nominate Kamal Hassan to Rajya Sabha

CHENNAI: Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan is likely to be nominated to the Rajya Sabha member. His entry to the Rajya Sabha is as per an agreement with the DMK. Minister Shekhar Babu held talks with Kamal on the directions of M K Stalin. It is reported that one of the six Rajya Sabha seats falling vacant in July will be given to Makkal Needhi Maiam.

Makkal Needhi Maiam did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in view of the agreement with the DMK. The DMK had asked Kamal, who decided to contest against BJP state president Annamalai in Coimbatore, to withdraw. Instead, the party offered a Rajya Sabha seat. However, the DMK had also informed that the seat would be for Kamal only.

Kamal, who suffered defeat in the first assembly elections after forming Makkal Needhi Maiam, stood with the India Front in the Lok Sabha elections. As part of this, he had worked for the front's victory. There were also speculations that he would contest from one of the Congress seats. However, at that stage, Kamal was not ready to go to the Lok Sabha.