Thu Jul 24 04:44:32 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Kamal Haasan, actor and chief of the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), is set to be sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP. He expresses feeling honored and aware of expectations, promising to represent Tamil Nadu and India with honesty. This marks a significant political development for Haasan, who launched his party in 2017. While MNM didn’t contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, they supported the DMK, which rewarded Haasan with the Rajya Sabha seat. A key policy idea of Haasan’s, direct benefit transfers to women, was adopted by the DMK. MNM is expected to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the DMK alliance. His entry into Parliament adds a new chapter to his public life.

**News Article:**

**Kamal Haasan Enters Parliament: Actor-Turned-Politician to Represent Tamil Nadu in Rajya Sabha**

**New Delhi:** Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan is poised to begin his parliamentary journey, set to be sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP on Thursday. Speaking to NDTV ahead of the ceremony, the 69-year-old actor expressed his honor and acknowledged the weight of expectations. “I am honored to begin with. I know I’ve to do a lot. Something is expected of me – I hope I live up to those expectations. I’ll try my best to be honest, earnest and speak for Tamil Nadu and India,” he stated.

Haasan’s entry into the Upper House marks a significant political milestone. After launching MNM in 2017 with a focus on anti-corruption, rural development, and environmental issues, his party gained traction but fell short of major electoral victories. While MNM did not contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party extended its support to the ruling DMK. This alliance has now resulted in Haasan securing a seat in the Rajya Sabha.

Notably, a key policy initiative championed by Haasan – direct benefit transfers to women – was adopted by the DMK as its flagship monthly assistance scheme. With MNM now firmly aligned with the DMK, they are expected to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the DMK-led alliance. This election is already generating buzz as a potentially star-studded contest, with actor Vijay’s political party TVK also expected to make its debut.

Haasan’s transition from a beloved cinema icon to a reformist politician and now a national lawmaker represents a new chapter in his public life, signalling a deepening commitment to shaping India’s political landscape.

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