Will MNM Secure 15 Seats in the 2026 TN Assembly Elections?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal meeting, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) strategizes its seat-sharing agreement with DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. As MNM eyes 15 constituencies, the outcome could reshape the political landscape in 2026. Will Kamal Haasan's influence sway the DMK's decisions? Discover the latest developments in this political saga.
Key Takeaways
- MNM held a significant meeting to discuss electoral strategies.
- Focus on seat-sharing negotiations with DMK ahead of the 2026 elections.
- Kamal Haasan to campaign extensively as a star campaigner.
- MNM aims to contest 15 constituencies, primarily urban.
- DMK may only concede 3 seats to MNM.
Chennai, Jan 24 (NationPress) The executive and working committees of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) convened at the party's headquarters located in Alwarpet, with Kamal Haasan, the party's founder and leader, overseeing the discussions.
This meeting primarily centered on MNM's electoral tactics, especially regarding seat-sharing talks with its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), in anticipation of the impending Tamil Nadu Assembly elections set for 2026.
Established in 2018 by Kamal Haasan, MNM has experienced a modest electoral journey thus far.
During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party contested independently across all 39 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, but did not secure any seats, garnering approximately 0.40 percent of the total vote share. In the 2021 Assembly elections, MNM again ran solo, putting forward candidates in 180 constituencies.
While it did not achieve any victories, its vote share rose to 2.62 percent, signifying a slight growth in its support base, particularly in urban regions.
In a tactical shift, MNM aligned with the DMK-led coalition for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Although no constituencies were allocated to the party, the alliance provided MNM with a Rajya Sabha seat, enabling Kamal Haasan to become a Member of Parliament.
In this context, the meeting holds considerable importance. Sources indicate that MNM leaders deliberated on the number of Assembly seats that the DMK might be willing to allocate to its ally and evaluated constituencies where they perceive a realistic chance of winning. MNM is believed to have compiled a tentative list of 15 constituencies they wish to contest.
The proposed constituencies reportedly include Coimbatore South, Coimbatore North, Singanallur, Velachery, Mylapore, Maduravoyal, Ambattur, Tambaram, Sholinganallur, Koundampalayam, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli East, Madurai Central, Alandur, and Thyagarayanagar—predominantly urban and semi-urban areas where MNM has previously achieved relatively better vote shares.
However, discussions at the alliance level suggest that the DMK leadership may only be inclined to allocate three Assembly seats to MNM. As part of a broader campaign strategy, it has also been decided that Kamal Haasan will actively campaign across Tamil Nadu as a star campaigner for the alliance, capitalizing on his statewide recognition and popularity. Formal seat-sharing negotiations between the DMK and MNM are anticipated to intensify in the upcoming months.
Point of View
The ongoing discussions between MNM and DMK are crucial as they could significantly impact Tamil Nadu's political balance. Kamal Haasan's party, despite its limited electoral record, is making strategic moves that could reshape its future. It reflects the evolving dynamics within Tamil Nadu's political landscape, where alliances are crucial for electoral success.
NationPress
24/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM)?
Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is a political party founded by Kamal Haasan in 2018, focusing on governance and social justice in Tamil Nadu.
How did MNM perform in past elections?
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, MNM contested independently but did not win any seats. In the 2021 Assembly elections, it increased its vote share to 2.62%.
What is the significance of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections?
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are significant as they will determine the political landscape of the state, with key alliances and seat-sharing arrangements coming into play.
Who is Kamal Haasan?
Kamal Haasan is a prominent Indian actor and politician, known for his contributions to Indian cinema and his role as the founder of MNM.
What constituencies is MNM targeting for the upcoming elections?
MNM is targeting 15 constituencies, including urban and semi-urban areas like Coimbatore South, Velachery, and Mylapore.
