Kamal Haasan decides not to contest Tamil Nadu elections, AIADMK spokesperon takes a dig at actors turning politicians

Kamal Haasan

Actor Kamal Haasan's party, Makkal Needhi Maiam, has decided not to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and will instead back the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai described the move as a "historic and selfless sacrifice."

Kamal Haasan to support DMK

Annadurai said that DMK leader M. K. Stalin welcomed Haasan's decision, calling it a noble step taken in the larger interest of Tamil Nadu and its people. He added that DMK workers and leaders were grateful for Haasan's support, stating that the actor-politician had placed public welfare above party interests.

The spokesperson further emphasised that Haasan is an influential and intellectual leader whose campaign would significantly benefit the DMK in the 2026 elections. He also took a swipe at the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), claiming the party was uncomfortable with Haasan's decision and struggling to secure strong allies.

AIADMK takes a dig at Vijay, Kamal Haasan

Meanwhile, AIADMK spokesperson Kovai Sathyan criticised Haasan's move, arguing that it reflected incompetence rather than sacrifice. He stated that success in public life requires political acumen and leadership skills, qualities he alleged many film personalities lack when transitioning into politics. He said, "The decision by Kamal Haasan not to contest in the assembly election is not a sacrifice; it is his incompetence. This is the problem with actors who are on the silver screen. They believe that in public life, whatever you talk about in front of the camera is what you need to deliver in public life."

He added, "In public life, you have to have the political acumen, leadership attributes, and qualities to do good for the people. But unfortunately, people who are from the silver screen aspiring for public life don't have the leadership acumen and leadership qualities." Sathyan also took a dig at Vijay, stating, "We have seen several people who are heroes on the silver screen starting a political party and winding up sooner. And we hope that Vijay will also fall in the same line in a couple of months after the assembly elections."

Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.