Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan on Thursday officially entered the Rajya Sabha, taking his oath as a Member of Parliament in Tamil. According to India Today, the 69-year-old was recently nominated to the Upper House by the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu.
Oath in Tamil Sparks Applause
Wearing a traditional white shirt and veshti, Kamal Haasan took the oath of office in Tamil, drawing loud applause from members present in the House. After the oath, he respectfully greeted Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, who welcomed him warmly.
The choice to take the oath in his mother tongue was appreciated across party lines, reinforcing his image as a staunch advocate of Tamil identity and culture.
Nominated by DMK, Supported by Congress
Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) party had not won any seats in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly polls, but the DMK acknowledged his influence and legacy in Tamil Nadu by nominating him to the Rajya Sabha. The move is seen as a strategic alliance-building effort, with the DMK-led alliance, which includes the Congress, seeking to strengthen opposition unity.
Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh welcomed Haasan, calling him “a very distinguished Indian and a proud Tamil.”
Political Relevance Amid 2024 Lok Sabha Backdrop
Haasan had contested the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections from Coimbatore South but lost. However, he remained active politically, often voicing his opinion on national issues, social reforms, and Tamil identity. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha is widely seen as a political revival and may position him for a larger role in national politics ahead of the 2029 general elections.
Political observers suggest that DMK’s gesture could be an effort to engage urban voters and intellectuals drawn to Haasan’s progressive platform.
A New Chapter in Public Service
After taking the oath, Kamal Haasan said, “It is an honour to serve the people of India through the Rajya Sabha. I will raise issues that matter to the common man and ensure the voice of Tamil Nadu is heard at the Centre.”
He emphasized that this role will be an extension of his social work and political mission launched through Makkal Needhi Maiam, focusing on good governance, education, healthcare, and decentralization.
Photo Credit: India Today
For more entertainment stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
