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Smaller allies standing up to Stalin? Why VCK wants Kamal Haasan's MNM to contest TN assembly polls

MNM should not be forced to use the Rising Sun symbol of the DMK and should be permitted to use their preferred torch for the assembly polls, Thol. Thirumavalavan said before underlining that vote share can't be the parameter alone when it comes to seat distribution

By The Week News Desk Updated: March 26, 2026 12:36 IST
MK Stalin, Kaml Haasan and Thol Thirumavalavan are all part of the same alliance in Tamil Nadu | X

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan is not convinced by the Kamal Haasan-led Makkal Needhi Maiam's (MNM) decision not to contest any seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The actor-turned politicnan’s camp decided not to contest and instead support the alliance on the ground over disagreements with the DMK over seat-sharing.

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Chidambaram Lok Sabha MP has reportedly asked Chief Minister and DMK chief M. K. Stalin to convince the MNM to enter the poll fray. The VCK, DMK, and MNM are all part of the ruling Secular Progressive Alliance in the southern state.

Thirumavalavan pointed out that the MNM got around a four per cent vote share in Tamil Nadu. Then there is the respect, trust, and goodwill that Kamal Haasan enjoys among the public, which could work in favour of the alliance even more if his own partymen were contesting the polls.

On the other hand, the MNM staying out of contention is "inappropriate for the alliance's cohesion and credibility," DT Next reported Thirumavalavan as pointing out.

It was announced on Tuesday that the MNM would not contest the 23 April Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.

As an alliance partner, it was the VCK's democratic responsibility to raise the issue before Stalin. Ideological commitment, public image, leadership credibility, and organisational capacity should be given due weight in a coalition like the Secular Progressive Alliance, instead of seat distribution being solely based on vote share and past electoral performance.

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The MNM should contest using its own torch symbol instead of the DMK's rising sun symbol, as it "alone will help realise the spirit of ‘we will win together’ in its entirety,” he said.

Why did the MNM back out of the poll battle?

The number of seats the DMK offered and the 'suggestion' that MNM nominees should contest under the DMK's rising sun symbol are not acceptable, the party said.

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MNM founder and chief Haasan declared that his party will not fight the polls but will extend unconditional support to all the candidates of the DMK-led alliance. The move was hailed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin as a "magnanimous decision, setting aside self-interest with dignity to prioritise the welfare of Tamil Nadu."

"I don't know how to express my gratitude to him. His decision has deeply moved me," Stalin, who is the president of the DMK, said as he thanked Haasan. He requested "brother Kamal Haasan" to campaign across Tamil Nadu for the 23 April polls.

Haasan, who called on the Chief Minister and conveyed his decision on Tuesday evening, said in a statement: "In today's difficult political environment, the number of seats that they (the DMK) have promised to give us and the suggestion that we should contest under the Rising Sun symbol are not acceptable to the members of the MNM and to me."

Haasan added that in politics, an election is only a part and it is not final; there is no 'full stop' in politics.

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