Kamal Haasan, P. Wilson, Salma, and S.R. Sivalingam Sworn In as Rajya Sabha Members Backed by DMK

Actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder Kamal Haasan, along with former Additional Advocate General and sitting MP P. Wilson, poet Rajathi alias Salma, and S.R. Sivalingam, took oath as Rajya Sabha members from Tamil Nadu on Friday, July 25, 2025.

All four were elected with the support of the DMK and its allies and took their oath in Tamil.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Haasan said, “I am very proud and honoured.” At 69, the actor-turned-politician was elected unopposed to the Upper House, securing one of the six seats allocated from Tamil Nadu. The DMK had allotted one seat to MNM as part of their alliance.

Among the six new members, only Mr. Wilson had previously served in the Rajya Sabha. The others, including two from AIADMK – I.S. Inbadurai and M. Dhanapal – are first-time members.

Those who retired include MDMK’s Vaiko, PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss, and DMK’s M. Mohamed Abdulla and M. Shanmugam, along with AIADMK’s N. Chandrasegharan.

M.K. Stalin Congratulates Incoming and Outgoing Members

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin congratulated the newly elected members in a post on X and acknowledged the outgoing MPs for their service.

Quoting C.N. Annadurai’s statement, “I belong to the Dravidian stock,” Stalin praised DMK MPs for consistently voicing Tamil Nadu’s concerns in Parliament.

In his message, Stalin highlighted Mr. Vaiko’s decades-long contribution, noting that he had served four terms in the Rajya Sabha and one in the Lok Sabha.

Stalin called him the “Tiger of Parliament” and a strong advocate for Tamil rights, first nominated by M. Karunanidhi in 1978.

Mr. Shanmugam was praised for representing the working class and playing a key role in the Labour Progressive Federation. Stalin also commended Mr. Abdulla for promoting nationalism and religious harmony through his speeches.

Regarding P. Wilson, Stalin acknowledged his success in securing landmark court judgments and defending the oppressed, underlining his dedication to social justice.

Shruti Haasan’s Emotional Tribute to Her Father

Kamal Haasan’s daughter, actor Shruti Haasan, expressed pride in her father’s new role through emotional messages on Instagram. She posted a picture with Kamal, writing, “Love you and proud of you Appa. Always.”

In another post, she added, “My dearest Appa, today marks the journey of your steps into a brave new world. Watching you take your oath in the Rajya Sabha with your signature voice echoing through the chambers with strength and gravitas was a moment forever etched in my mind.” She concluded her note with, “Love always. always, always.”

Shruti flew to Delhi to support her father as he took oath during the Monsoon Session. Kamal greeted Deputy Rajya Sabha Chairman Harivansh after the ceremony.

A New Chapter in Kamal Haasan’s Political Career

Speaking before his swearing-in, Kamal Haasan stated, “I am proud and honoured. I’m going to swear in and register my name. As an Indian, I will do my duty.”

MNM, which joined the DMK-led alliance before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, was given a Rajya Sabha seat as part of the seat-sharing agreement.

Kamal, who was last seen in ‘Thug Life’ (2025), will soon appear in ‘Indian 3’ and is expected to play a major role in the sequel to ‘Kalki 2898 AD.’

Kamal Haasan’s Open Letter to the Nation

After taking his oath, Kamal Haasan released a reflective letter addressed to the citizens of India and Tamil Nadu. He described his entry into Parliament not as a formality but as a 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.”

He emphasized centrism as the foundation of MNM, describing it as “the art of balance – of embracing both equity and efficiency, liberty and fraternity, tradition and progress.”

A Call for Unity and Responsible Governance

Haasan drew on India’s rich political legacy, referencing leaders such as Gandhi, Ambedkar, Nehru, Patel, and Periyar. He wrote, “It was not a monochrome march, but a magnificent mosaic.” He called for renewed centrism to protect the Republic from division.

Haasan warned that India stands at a crucial moment. “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 serve as a “clear, compassionate, and committed” voice for Tamil Nadu, stating, “I will not speak for one community but for the common good. Not for narrow gain, but for national growth.”

From Screen to Parliament

Paying tribute to his father, a freedom fighter, Haasan said, “In my veins flows not just his blood, but his values.” MNM, founded in 2017, had previously contested elections with a focus on clean politics.

Although Kamal lost the 2021 Assembly election, he later aligned with the DMK, describing the partnership as essential.

Reflecting on his new role, Haasan told NDTV, “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.”