Tamil Nadu politics: Kamal Haasan’s MNM seeks 15 seats in DMK alliance talks

With political activity intensifying ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, discussions over seat-sharing between actor-politician Kamal Haasan’s party, the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have entered a crucial phase, with differences emerging over the symbol under which MNM candidates would contest.

Party sources said MNM has already submitted to the DMK leadership a list of 15 Assembly constituencies that it considers favourable. The list forms the basis of the party’s initial demand in the ongoing alliance discussions, with MNM leaders indicating that the party is keen on contesting from these seats if it joins the DMK-led front.

However, negotiations have run into a hurdle over the choice of election symbol. The DMK leadership has reportedly suggested that MNM candidates contest under the party’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol — a formula followed by several smaller alliance partners in previous elections.

MNM, however, appears reluctant to give up its ‘Torchlight’ symbol. Party leaders believe contesting under their own symbol is important for preserving the organisation’s identity and strengthening its long-term political presence in the state.

Sources familiar with the discussions said the DMK has conveyed two broad options during the talks. If MNM insists on contesting under its own symbol, the number of seats allocated could be limited. But if the party agrees to field candidates under the Rising Sun symbol, it could be offered a larger share of constituencies.

Amid this backdrop, MNM convened an emergency meeting of its executive and administrative committees at its Alwarpet office in Chennai, chaired by party president Kamal Haasan, to deliberate on the next course of action.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Haasan said the consultation was held in a “democratic manner”, with members discussing various aspects of the proposed alliance, including seat allocation and the question of contesting under a common symbol.

He added that a final agreement on seat-sharing would be reached only after the party receives an official communication from the DMK leadership.

For the MNM leadership, the decision now involves balancing two competing considerations — retaining the party’s symbol and identity, or accepting the alliance formula in exchange for a larger number of seats.

A clearer picture is expected once formal negotiations between the two sides move to the next stage.