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DMK Deploys Kamal Haasan Against TVK's Vijay in Chennai Battle
DMK enlists Kamal Haasan to campaign for Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore East, while Chennai becomes the focal point of a star-studded contest with Vijay entering electoral politics. Haasan previously contested from Coimbatore South in 2021 and narrowly lost, and he returned to the campaign trail in Chennai before moving to Coimbatore for Balaji.
Why It Matters
The entry of Kamal Haasan and Vijay as high-profile celebrities in Tamil Nadu politics signals a celebrity-driven dynamic in a key battleground. The interplay between film stars and traditional party machinery could influence youth and urban voting patterns in a tightly contested election.
Timeline
3 Events
Haasan campaigns for Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore East; targets Centre over metro project
April 19, 2026
Campaigning for DMK candidate Senthil Balaji in Coimbatore East, Haasan called the seat 'our constituency' and launched a sharp attack on the Centre for denying a metro rail project. He questioned why Coimbatore, described as the 'Manchester of South India', seemed less qualified than Patna and Agra where norms were relaxed. He also criticised Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over remarks linking metro projects to electoral outcomes. Balaji is a former minister who had to step down following Enforcement Directorate allegations related to cash-for-jobs and alleged irregularities linked to TASMAC.
Haasan launches Chennai campaign from Chepauk and backs Udhayanidhi Stalin
April 17, 2026
Haasan kicked off his Chennai campaign from Chepauk - Thiruvallikeni, backing Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin as he seeks a second term. He highlighted Tamil Nadu sports development and noted momentum among sportsmen as part of the ruling DMK's narrative.
Haasan contested Coimbatore South in the 2021 Assembly elections and narrowly lost
2021
Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), contested from Coimbatore South in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections and lost narrowly to BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan, marking his first electoral bid though he ran a strong campaign.