Latest news with #Haasan
Mint
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Not a culmination, but a beginning': Kamal Haasan pens a thoughtful note on making Parliament debut
Superstar Kamal Haasan was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament on Friday. The Tamil actor and politician took his oath in Tamil to resounding thumps on the table by fellow Parliamentarians. The 'Thug Life' actor expressed his happiness on his significant political milestone. The 69-year-old Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and actor-turned-politician, talking to media persons outside the parliament earlier, said, 'I am very proud and honoured.' Kamal Haasan's election to the Upper House marks a significant milestone in his political journey, as he assumes a national legislative role for the first time. 'Today, as I rose to take the affirmation as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, I did so with a heart full of humility and a conscience weighed by responsibility. I have sworn to uphold the Constitution of India – not as a ritual of formality, but as a solemn promise to serve its spirit with fidelity, courage, and conscience,' Haasan wrote later in a message on X. Haasan was nominated with the support of the ruling DMK-led alliance, which had promised him a Rajya Sabha seat in return for MNM's support during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. 'This moment is not mine alone. I share it with my people, whose voices I carry into the chambers of power. I share it with the soil of Tamil Nadu that has nurtured me – a land that has produced poets and revolutionaries, thinkers and reformers, and above all, citizens who believe deeply in justice, dignity, and self-respect,' Haasan said in the three-page message. Haasan filed his nomination on June 6 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat in the presence of Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin, among other political leaders. On June 12, Haasan, who is the president of MNM, and five others were elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Tamil Nadu. The five others elected are DMK's Poet Salma (A Rokkaiah Malik), SR Sivalingam, P Wilson (who enters his second term), and AIADMK's IS Inbadurai and Dhanapal. Haasan promised that he would strive to be the voice of Tamil Nadu in Delhi — clear, compassionate, and committed —and that he would speak not for one community but for the common good. This moment is not mine alone. I share it with my people, whose voices I carry into the chambers of power. "With reverence for the Constitution, with faith in democracy, and with love for my people, I begin this chapter not as a culmination, but as a beginning,' he said. Key Takeaways Kamal Haasan emphasizes the importance of representing the voices of Tamil Nadu in Parliament. His election signifies a broader political strategy and alliance-building in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Haasan's approach combines reverence for the Constitution with a commitment to serve the common good.
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
On Day 1 As MP, Kamal Haasan Raises Polarisation, Seeks Centrism
Chennai: Actor-politician Kamal Haasan, freshly sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP, has released a deeply reflective open letter addressed to citizens of the country including his home state, Tamil Nadu. He laid out his vision for the country, underscoring the need for centrism, ethical governance, diversity and national unity at a time he described as a "historic crossroads." Mr Haasan, the founder and president of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), described his entry into parliament not as a formality, but as a solemn promise to uphold the Constitution with "fidelity, courage, and conscience." "I do not arrive in parliament as a mere critic," he wrote, "but as a committed contributor to the idea of India. Where I must oppose, I will do so with reason. Where I must support, I will do so with conviction. And where I must advise, I will do so constructively - not to score points, but to build consensus." In what is clearly a foundational declaration of his political ideology, Mr Haasan passionately advocated for centrism - not as a compromise, but as a conviction. He described centrism as the core ideology of MNM, calling it "the art of balance - of embracing both equity and efficiency, liberty and fraternity, tradition and progress." A new Chapter unfolds. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 25, 2025 Reiterating unity in diversity and drawing inspiration from India's freedom movement, Mr Haasan wrote, "It was not a monochrome march, but a magnificent mosaic - Gandhiji's non-violence, Ambedkar's constitutionalism, Nehru's pluralism, Patel's pragmatism, and Periyar's rationalism - all found space under the same sky." At the heart of this movement, he said, was a spirit of centrism that could once again help "rescue our Republic from the perils of division." Mr Haasan warned that the country stands at a pivotal moment - "not of comfort, but of consequence." With the world's largest youth population, he said India is blessed with the energy of tomorrow but must not squander that future with complacency. "The cries for equity, for employment, for education, and for ethical governance must not echo unheard in the corridors of power," he said. He promised to be a "clear, compassionate, and committed" voice for Tamil Nadu in Delhi. "I will not speak for one community but for the common good. Not for narrow gain, but for national growth," the letter read. Mr Haasan paid homage to his late father, a freedom fighter who instilled in him the values of liberty, justice, and reform. "In my veins flows not just his blood, but his values - forged in the crucible of our struggle for independence, tempered by the dreams of Gandhiji, the intellect of Ambedkar, and the conviction of Periyar." Mr Haasan launched Makkal Needhi Maiam in 2017 with a focus on clean alternative politics and development. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the party garnered around 4 per cenmt of the vote share across Tamil Nadu. In the 2021 assembly polls, he narrowly lost to BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan in Coimbatore South. In 2024, Mr Haasan aligned with the ruling DMK, calling it "the need of the hour." Notably, a key DMK welfare scheme - Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to women - was first proposed by him during his 2021 campaign. "I am honoured to begin with. I know I've a lot to do. Something is expected of me. I hope I live up to those expectations. I'll try my best to be honest, earnest and speak for Tamil Nadu and India," Mr Haasan told NDTV on Thursday.
News18
5 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Kamal Haasan Vows To Be Tamil Nadu's Voice In Delhi After Rajya Sabha Debut: 'Not for Narrow Gain…'
Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam, took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP. Representing Tamil Nadu, he emphasised his commitment to justice, dignity, and ethical governance. Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan took an oath as a Member of Parliament at Rajya Sabha in Delhi on July 25. Hours later, he took to X (formerly Twitter) and, representing Tamil Nadu, marked the moment with a deeply personal message to the people of India. 'Today, as I rose to take the affirmation as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, I did so with a heart full of humility and a conscience weighed by responsibility," Haasan stated, emphasising that his oath was not a mere formality, but a solemn vow to uphold the spirit of the Constitution with fidelity, courage, and conscience. In an emotionally resonant note, the MNM chief shared that the moment was not his alone, but belonged to the people of Tamil Nadu – a land he credited with nurturing him. He spoke of carrying into Parliament the voices of those who believe deeply in justice, dignity, and self-respect. Haasan also invoked the memory of his father, a freedom fighter, whose values of liberty and resilience continue to guide him. 'I do not arrive in Parliament as a mere critic, but as a committed contributor to the idea of India," he declared, adding, 'Where I must oppose, I will do so with reason. Where I must support, I will do so with conviction. And where I must advise, I will do so constructively – not to score points, but to build consensus." Haasan also wrote, 'It is a philosophy rooted not in hesitation, but in harmony. In times when polarisation threatens to erode dialogue, the centre must hold – not to stand still, but to move forward together." Looking ahead, Haasan acknowledged that India stands at a historic crossroads. With the largest young population in the world, he noted, the nation is blessed with the energy of tomorrow. But he warned against complacency, urging Parliament to listen to the calls for equity, employment, education, and ethical governance. 'With the largest young population in the world, we are blessed with the energy of tomorrow. But we cannot afford to betray that future by being complacent today. The cries for equity, for employment, for education, and for ethical governance must not echo unheard in the corridors of power," he continued. He then concluded his note by extending his gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu and the government. 'I will strive to be the voice of Tamil Nadu in Delhi – clear, compassionate, and committed. I will speak not for one community, but for the common good. Not for narrow gain, but for national growth. To the people who have walked beside me on this journey – I thank you. To those who doubt – I hear you. And to those who hope – I shall not let you down. With reverence for the Constitution, with faith in democracy, and with love for my people, I begin this chapter not as a culmination, but as a beginning," he wrote, undersigning the statement with his new designation, 'Ever in service, Kamal Haasan, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, President, Makkal Needhi Maiam." A new Chapter unfolds. — Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) July 25, 2025 Haasan, who was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha in June as part of the DMK-led bloc, delivered his oath in Tamil, receiving enthusiastic desk-thumping from fellow parliamentarians. Following the ceremony, he greeted Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh. Haasan's party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), had joined hands with the DMK-led alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As part of the seat-sharing arrangement, MNM was assured a Rajya Sabha seat in exchange for its support. He filed his nomination on June 6 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, accompanied by Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and key alliance leaders including VCK's Thol. Thirumavalavan, MDMK's Vaiko, and Tamil Nadu Congress president Selvaperunthagai. The Thug Life actor's entry into the Rajya Sabha marks a major milestone in his political journey, as it is his first official legislative position. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a candidate requires a minimum of 34 votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
News18
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Kamal Haasan Sworn In As Rajya Sabha MP; Daughter Shruti Haasan Says 'Proud Of You Appa'
Last Updated: Veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan was sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP in Delhi. Shruti Haasan, who accompanied him at the Parliament, expressed her pride. In a moment rich with history, pride, and deep emotion, veteran actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan was sworn in as a Member of Parliament in Delhi. While the occasion marked a significant political milestone, it also held profound personal meaning. Among those quietly witnessing this landmark event was his daughter, Shruti Haasan. Shruti, who flew to the capital to stand by her father, chose grace over grandeur –her understated presence speaking volumes. Known for forging her own path in Indian cinema and music, she was there not as a public figure, but simply as a daughter – proud, emotional, and unwavering in her support. Following the oath-taking ceremony, she took to Instagram to share a tender story with just a few heartfelt words: 'Love you and proud of you Appa. Always." Here is her post: Kamal Haasan takes oath as Rajya Sabha MP Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan made his debut in Parliament on Friday, July 25, taking oath as a Rajya Sabha MP in Tamil during the fifth day of the Monsoon Session. Haasan, who was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha in June as part of the DMK-led bloc, delivered his oath in Tamil, receiving enthusiastic desk-thumping from fellow parliamentarians. Following the ceremony, he greeted Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh. Speaking to the media ahead of the swearing-in, Haasan said, 'I am proud and honoured. I'm going to swear in and register my name. As an Indian, I will do my duty." Haasan's party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), had joined hands with the DMK-led alliance ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. As part of the seat-sharing arrangement, MNM was assured a Rajya Sabha seat in exchange for its support. He filed his nomination on June 6 at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, accompanied by Chief Minister MK Stalin, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, and key alliance leaders including VCK's Thol. Thirumavalavan, MDMK's Vaiko, and Tamil Nadu Congress president Selvaperunthagai. The Thug Life actor's entry into the Rajya Sabha marks a major milestone in his political journey, as it is his first official legislative position. In the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly, a candidate requires a minimum of 34 votes to secure a Rajya Sabha seat. First Published: July 25, 2025, 17:19 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
11 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Kamal Haasan Makes Parliament Debut, Takes Oath As Rajya Sabha MP In Tamil
New Delhi: Actor-turned-politician and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) chief Kamal Haasan made his parliamentary debut on Friday as he took oath as a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha. He took his oath in Tamil to resounding thumps on the table by fellow Parliamentarians. The 69-year-old politician was elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha on June 12, with the support of the DMK-led alliance. #WATCH | Makkal Needhi Maiam chief and actor Kamal Haasan takes oath as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, in Tamil. Source: Sansad TV/ YouTube — ANI (@ANI) July 25, 2025 Ahead of the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Haasan said, "I am going to take the oath and register my name in Delhi today. I am going to fulfil this duty with honour given to me as an Indian." A day prior, Mr Haasan told NDTV that he was "honoured" and conscious of the expectations placed upon him as he embarks on his parliamentary journey. "I am honoured to begin with. I know I've to do a lot. Something is expected of me - I hope I live up to those expectations. I'll try my best to be honest, earnest and speak for Tamil Nadu and India," he said. Mr Haasan had launched his party in 2017 with a focus on fighting corruption, rural development, and environmental sustainability. His party secured around 4 per cent of the vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. He then contested the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, where Mr Haasan narrowly lost the Coimbatore South seat to BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan. The Kamal Haasan-led party had not contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, but instead extended its support to the ruling DMK - calling it a "need of the hour". After DMK's win in Tamil Nadu, the party had adopted Mr Haasan's vision for direct benefit transfers to women and rolled out as its flagship Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to eligible women heads of households. The MNM is expected to contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as a part of the DMK-led alliance.
