Tamil Nadu actor-politician Kamal Haasan swore his parliamentary oath on Friday as a Rajya Sabha member. The veteran performer spoke in Tamil during the ceremony and declared his commitment to serving India. Haasan established Makkal Needhi Maiam during February 2018 to challenge traditional Dravidian politics through centrist policies. His party competed for 37 constituencies during the 2019 general elections with limited success.
The MNM leader faced defeat against BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan in Coimbatore South during 2021 state elections. His political movement secured 2.6 percent of votes across Tamil Nadu despite the setback. Haasan shifted strategy by aligning MNM with the DMK coalition before 2024 elections. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam captured every Lok Sabha seat in the state with alliance support.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin endorsed Haasan for the upper house position as part of their partnership agreement. Parliament gained Haasan through unopposed election on June 12. His legislative career begins after years of building grassroots political organization.
The MNM leader faced defeat against BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan in Coimbatore South during 2021 state elections. His political movement secured 2.6 percent of votes across Tamil Nadu despite the setback. Haasan shifted strategy by aligning MNM with the DMK coalition before 2024 elections. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam captured every Lok Sabha seat in the state with alliance support.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin endorsed Haasan for the upper house position as part of their partnership agreement. Parliament gained Haasan through unopposed election on June 12. His legislative career begins after years of building grassroots political organization.
