In a significant development ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, renowned Indian actor Kamal Haasan has announced his entry into the political fray once again. Haasan, who currently serves as the president of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party, is set to contest the upcoming general elections, with his eye on either the Coimbatore or Chennai constituency.
Recently, Haasan’s party was granted the symbol of the “battery torch,” symbolizing their mission to illuminate and energize political discourse in the country. Reports suggest that MNM is poised to form an alliance with the DMK and Congress, positioning themselves as part of the INDIA bloc alliance for the impending electoral battle.
Having ventured into politics in 2018, Kamal Haasan and his party have been actively engaged in Coimbatore’s political landscape in recent years. Despite facing a narrow defeat in the 2021 assembly elections in Coimbatore South, Haasan’s commitment to grassroots politics remains steadfast. Additionally, MNM fielded a candidate for the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat during the 2019 general elections, signaling their intent to broaden their electoral footprint.
While Coimbatore stands as Haasan’s preferred battleground, sources suggest that he is open to contesting from various Chennai constituencies, including North, South, or Central. The political dynamics in these regions indicate a potential challenge, with Coimbatore currently under the representation of CPI-M and all three Chennai seats held by the DMK.
In a notable move, Kamal Haasan participated in Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2021, emphasizing his commitment to a unified India. Clarifying his stance, Haasan asserted that his involvement in the yatra was not indicative of allegiance to any specific political party but rather a demonstration of
solidarity for national unity.
MNM, symbolized by the battery torch, has steadily made its mark on the political landscape since its inception, contesting both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Haasan’s decision to re-enter the electoral arena underscores his enduring commitment to driving positive change and contributing to the democratic process in India.
As the countdown to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections begins, Kamal Haasan’s candidacy injects a new dimension into the political landscape, promising an intriguing contest in the constituencies he chooses to contest. With his reputation as a seasoned actor and a committed politician, Haasan’s electoral campaign is sure to captivate the imagination of voters across Tamil Nadu and beyond.
