DMK Alliance: In a significant political development, Kamal Haasan, the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), announced on Saturday that his party would ally with MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and extend full support for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The alliance between MNM and DMK, along with their pledge to work together, marks a crucial moment in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape and has the potential to shape the outcome of the elections significantly.
During the announcement in Chennai, Kamal Haasan emphasized that MNM’s decision to join the DMK-led alliance was driven by a sense of duty towards the country, rather than any personal considerations. He underscored the importance of unity and collaboration among opposition parties to counter the prevailing political challenges effectively. The DMK, in return, has allotted one seat to MNM for the 2025 Rajya Sabha elections, further solidifying their partnership.
As part of the agreement, MNM has pledged “full support” to the alliance and has committed to actively contributing to the campaign efforts across the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu and the solitary Puducherry segment. This collaboration between MNM and DMK highlights their shared vision for the state’s progress and their determination to address the pressing issues facing Tamil Nadu.
The decision to ally with DMK comes after Kamal Haasan’s consistent efforts to forge alliances and build strategic partnerships in Tamil Nadu’s political arena. Haasan had previously defended Udhayanidhi Stalin, the son of MK Stalin, over a controversy related to ‘Sanatana Dharma,’ demonstrating his alignment with the DMK’s ideology and objectives.
Sudha Murthy, Rishi Sunak’s Mother-in-Law, to Take Seat in Indian Parliament
Moreover, Kamal Haasan’s association with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra in December 2022 hinted at a broader alliance-building strategy aimed at consolidating opposition forces against the ruling party. Despite facing setbacks in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and the 2021 Assembly polls, MNM has continued to extend support to the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, reflecting its commitment to a united opposition front.
In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha elections, the DMK and its ruling ally, the Congress, are engaged in negotiations to finalize their seat-sharing arrangement. These discussions are expected to conclude over the weekend, with both parties striving to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that maximizes their electoral prospects.
In the 2019 general elections, the DMK and Congress agreed on seat-sharing, resulting in a resounding victory that saw them secure 38 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu, with the Congress winning 8 out of the 9 seats it contested. This successful collaboration between the two parties underscores the importance of strategic alliances in achieving electoral success and advancing the shared goals of the opposition coalition.
As Tamil Nadu prepares for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the alliance between MNM and DMK holds immense significance in shaping the state’s political landscape and determining the trajectory of its future governance. With their collective strength and shared vision, MNM and DMK are poised to emerge as formidable contenders, offering a compelling alternative to the ruling dispensation and advocating for the interests of the people of Tamil Nadu.