Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan has publicly endorsed actor-politician Vijay to become the chief minister of Tamil Nadu following recent assembly elections [1].
The endorsement comes as a high-profile political alignment between two cinematic icons turned politicians, potentially stabilizing the transition of power in the state.
Vijay, the leader of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), saw his party win 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu assembly election [3]. Despite this result, the governor has asked Vijay to appear with 118 signatures to prove support [2].
Kamal Haasan, who serves as the chief of Makkal Needhi Maiam, argued that the election gave Vijay a clear mandate. He said that not inviting Vijay to form government would disrespect Tamil Nadu's mandate [1].
Haasan emphasized that the democratic process must be upheld for all parties involved. "Just as MK Stalin, all should respect Tamil Nadu's mandate," Haasan said [2].
The call for Vijay to secure additional signatures from other lawmakers suggests a contested path to the chief minister's office, one that Haasan believes should be resolved in favor of the voters' choice [2].
Haasan's public support adds weight to Vijay's claim to leadership, as it signals a willingness among smaller or opposing political factions to recognize the TVK's electoral success [1].
“"Not inviting Vijay to form government would disrespect Tamil Nadu's mandate."”
The tension between the Governor's requirement for 118 signatures and the TVK's 108-seat win indicates a narrow margin for a majority government. By backing Vijay, Kamal Haasan is attempting to frame the appointment not as a political negotiation, but as a moral necessity to honor the electorate's will, potentially pressuring the Governor to expedite the appointment process.
