It’s not every day you see a cinematic legend step into the hallowed halls of Parliament, but that’s exactly what happened. The veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder, Kamal Haasan, has officially begun a new chapter, taking his oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. On Friday, July 25, 2025, the 69-year-old artist-turned-politician made his debut, marking a significant moment for both his career and Tamil Nadu politics.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan made his official Parliament debut on Friday, July 25, 2025.
- ✓ He was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha Member, taking his oath proudly in his mother tongue, Tamil.
- ✓ His entry into the Upper House was secured through the backing of the ruling DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu.
- ✓ Haasan was elected unopposed on June 12, after his party supported the DMK-Congress alliance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- ✓ This marks his first-ever national legislative role, a huge milestone in his political journey.
A Debut Marked by Pride and Tradition
You could feel the weight of the moment as Haasan arrived at the Parliament complex. When it was his turn to be sworn in, he chose to deliver his oath in Tamil, a move that was met with loud thumps of approval from his fellow parliamentarians. It was a clear statement of identity and a nod to the people he now represents on a national stage. This wasn't just a formality; it was a powerful declaration.
Speaking to the media just before the ceremony, his excitement was palpable. "I am very proud and honoured," he shared, as reported by news agency ANI. He further added, "I'm going to swear-in and register my name. As an Indian, I will do my duty." It’s this sense of purpose that he brings to his new role, moving from the silver screen to the center of Indian legislation.
The Political Path to Parliament
So, how did this all come about? Well, his journey to the Rajya Sabha wasn't a solo effort. It was the result of a strategic political alliance. Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Haasan's MNM party joined forces with the powerful DMK-led bloc in Tamil Nadu. As part of the arrangement for MNM's full support, Haasan was given a choice: contest a Lok Sabha seat or accept a Rajya Sabha nomination.
He chose the latter, opting for a seat in the Upper House. This decision paved the way for his unopposed election. The groundwork was laid on June 6, when he filed his nomination papers at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat. He wasn't alone; he was accompanied by a who's who of Tamil Nadu politics, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, showcasing the strength of the alliance.
Senior leaders from other alliance partners like VCK’s Thol. Thirumavalavan, MDMK’s Vaiko, and Tamil Nadu Congress chief Selvaperunthagai were also present, cementing the coalition's support for his candidacy. It was a clear signal that Haasan's entry into national politics was a collective decision by the state's ruling coalition.
A Numbers Game and an Unopposed Victory
Here's where the political math comes into play. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a candidate needs a minimum of 34 votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. The DMK-led INDIA bloc holds a commanding position with 158 MLAs—a comfortable majority composed of 133 from the DMK, 17 from Congress, 4 from VCK, and 2 each from CPI and CPM.
With these numbers, the alliance was easily positioned to win four seats in the Upper House, making Haasan's election a foregone conclusion. Sure enough, on June 12, Kamal Haasan and five others were officially elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu. The certificates of election were handed over by Returning Officer Subramani right there at the Chennai Secretariat, a formality that sealed his new role.
He wasn't the only one celebrating that day. The other newly elected members included the DMK's Poet Salma (A Rokkaiah Malik), S.R. Sivalingam, and P. Wilson, who was re-elected for a second term. The opposition AIADMK also secured two seats, with I.S. Inbadurai and Dhanapal joining the list of unopposed winners.
The Evolution of a Political Force
What makes this story particularly fascinating is the evolution of Haasan's political stance. When he launched the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) back in 2018, it was positioned as a fresh, non-Dravidian alternative to the state's two dominant parties, the DMK and the AIADMK. He aimed to be a third force, disrupting the established political order.
However, politics is often the art of the possible. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, his party secured a respectable 2.62% of the vote share but, crucially, failed to win a single seat. This reality likely influenced his recent strategic shift. In the years since, Haasan has softened his stance, culminating in the alliance with the DMK. He has framed this move not as a personal political gain, but as a decision made in the "national interest."
With his entry, Tamil Nadu's representation in the 18-seat Rajya Sabha contingent becomes even more diverse. He joins prominent figures like senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram and former Union Minister G.K. Vasan of the Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar), adding another distinct voice to the state's delegation in the Upper House.
Conclusion
In the end, Kamal Haasan's journey to the Rajya Sabha is a compelling story of ambition, strategy, and political evolution. From a celebrated actor to a party founder and now a Member of Parliament, he has navigated a complex path. His debut, marked by a proud oath in Tamil and backed by a formidable political alliance, signifies a major new phase in his public life. It's a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected alliances can lead to the most significant outcomes. Now, all eyes will be on what this new role means for his party and the voice he will bring to the national stage.
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