Wed Feb 04 18:02:26 UTC 2026: # Haasan’s Maiden Speech in Rajya Sabha Sparks Controversy Over Electoral Roll Revisions and Language Row
The Story:
Actor-turned-MP Kamal Haasan delivered his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha on February 4, 2026, raising concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He claimed the SIR could disenfranchise up to 1 crore voters in Tamil Nadu and echoed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s opposition. Haasan also drew a parallel to Bihar, warning against the spread of what he termed a “disease” of creating “living dead” on electoral rolls. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman responded on X, denying allegations that she used derogatory words about the Tamil language in 2025, stating she was quoting Periyar E.V. Ramasamy Naicker and providing a video clip as evidence.
Key Points:
- Kamal Haasan, president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), made his maiden speech in the Rajya Sabha on February 4, 2026.
- He criticized the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, predicting the deletion of up to 1 crore voters in Tamil Nadu.
- Haasan expressed support for Mamata Banerjee’s opposition to the SIR.
- He compared the situation to Bihar, describing it as a land of “many living dead.”
- Nirmala Sitharaman refuted allegations that she used derogatory language about Tamil in 2025, providing context and a video clip on X.
Key Takeaways:
- Kamal Haasan is using his platform as a Rajya Sabha MP to address electoral concerns in Tamil Nadu.
- The Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls is emerging as a point of political contention.
- Accusations of linguistic insensitivity remain a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu politics.
- The political discourse involves the use of social media, with politicians using platforms like X to clarify and defend their positions.
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