Will RS polls reshape alliances for the 2026 TN Assembly elections with DMK's Kamal Haasan nomination?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rajya Sabha elections on June 19 could reshape Tamil Nadu's political alliances.
- DMK may renominate current MPs and include Kamal Haasan.
- AIADMK's seat-sharing dynamics remain fluid.
- Competition is heating up within the DMK for nominations.
- The election results may signal future political alignments.
Chennai, May 27 (NationPress) The forthcoming biennial Rajya Sabha elections, set for June 19 and officially announced by the Election Commission of India, hold the potential to greatly influence the political alliances landscape in Tamil Nadu as the state gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections.
While the DMK-led INDIA bloc seems to have established a clear understanding regarding seat-sharing, the scenario within the AIADMK remains uncertain.
Speculation persists on which allies the main opposition party might incorporate. Prominent names include PMK’s Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth or her son Vijaya Prabhakaran, and a possible, albeit unlikely, overture towards the BJP.
Reports suggest that the AIADMK is likely to keep one of the two Rajya Sabha seats for itself.
In the DMK faction, reliable sources indicate that the party leadership is expected to renominate senior advocate P. Wilson and incumbent MP M.M. Abdulla — two of the six Rajya Sabha members whose terms conclude in July.
Notably, the DMK is anticipated to fulfill its previous commitment to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and actor-politician Kamal Haasan by nominating him to the Rajya Sabha.
He is likely to succeed current LPF trade union leader Shanmugham.
Although tensions existed between DMK and MNM prior to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, their alliance seems to be back on course. However, the DMK’s approach toward another ally — the MDMK — remains ambiguous.
Party stalwart Vaiko is reportedly pushing hard for a Rajya Sabha seat, but Chief Minister M.K. Stalin may be reluctant to meet this demand.
“If the Chief Minister stands firm and turns down Vaiko’s appeal, one of the DMK hopefuls might receive a significant opportunity,” a senior DMK leader shared with IANS under the condition of anonymity.
Competition within the DMK is escalating for a potential fourth seat. Influential leaders like R.S. Bharathi, the party’s Organising Secretary, and former MP and spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan are vigorously vying for nominations.
With alliance dynamics in flux and crucial decisions forthcoming, the June 19 Rajya Sabha election is poised to act as a barometer for the emerging political realignments in Tamil Nadu.