The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Wednesday introduced its candidates for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, staying true to its 2024 Lok Sabha ballot pact by allocating one seat to the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) led by actor-politician Kamal Haasan.
The DMK will discipline senior advocate P Wilson for a second time period, former minister S R Sivalingam, and acclaimed poet and author Salma. The official announcement mentioned that one seat from the social gathering’s share could be “allotted to Makkal Needhi Maiam,” signalling Haasan’s anticipated entry into the Rajya Sabha.
With 133 MLAs and powerful backing from its alliance companions—together with the Congress, the Communist Occasion of India, the Communist Occasion of India (Marxist), and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) — the DMK-led entrance has the numbers to safe 4 of the six seats falling vacant from Tamil Nadu within the June 19 election. Every successful candidate wants 34 votes within the 234-member Meeting.
The DMK’s resolution ends hypothesis over whether or not Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (MDMK) Vaiko could be renominated. The social gathering’s transfer to raise Salma provides symbolic heft to the checklist.
Born Rokkaya Malik, Salma is a celebrated Tamil poet and novelist recognized for her unflinching voice on gender, sexuality, and the cloistered lives of ladies in conservative households. Writing first in secret, she rose to prominence with ‘The Hours Previous Midnight,’ a novel translated into English that drew vast acclaim. An extended-time fellow traveller of the DMK, she served earlier as chairperson of the Tamil Nadu Social Welfare Board.
On the opposite facet, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), with 62 MLAs, is anticipated to win two seats with help from the BJP (4 MLAs) and the Panneerselvam camp. The social gathering is alleged to be contemplating candidates from Dalit and minority communities, whereas BJP leaders are reportedly lobbying for former state chief Ok Annamalai to be nominated.
The counting of votes is scheduled for the night of June 19, concluding a carefully watched spherical of political manoeuvring in higher home calculus.