Kamal Haasan-led MNM opts out of TN Assembly poll race

MNM founder chief Haasan declared that his party would not fight polls but extend unconditional support to all candidates of the DMK-led alliance. The move was hailed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin as “magnanimous decision setting aside self-interest with dignity and prioritise the welfare of Tamil Nadu”. “I don’t know how to express my gratitude to him. His decision has deeply moved me,” Stalin, who is the president of the DMK, said and thanked Haasan. He requested “brother Haasan” to campaign across Tamil Nadu for the April 23 polls.

Haasan, who called on the CM and conveyed his decision on Tuesday evening, said in a statement: “In today’s difficult political environment, the number of seats that they (DMK) have promised to give us and the suggestion that we should contest under the Rising Sun symbol are not acceptable to the members of the MNM and to me.”