Erode East Bypoll: MNM Chief Kamal Haasan Extends Support To Congress Candidate EVKS Elangovan

Erode East Bypolls: "We are battling against a larger cause where I am ready to sacrifice the small differences," Kamal Haasan said.

MNM chief Kamal Haasan

Chennai: Makkal Needhi Maiam chief Kamal Haasan on Wednesday announced his unconditional support for Congress leader EVKS Elangovan in Erode (East) constituency by-elections. It can be noted that Congress is part of the DMK alliance. 

Taking a turn from the stand held by him in 2021 Assembly Elections, Kamal Haasan announced his unconditional support for DMK alliance candidate EVKS Elangovan from Congress. The other parties in DMK-led alliance include VCK, CPI, CPM, MDMK and Congress. 

Later, Kamal addressing the reporters said, "This is an emergency situation. This should benefit Tamil Nadu and not help the negative forces." 

"We will stand together to help with the win of Elangovan. This is a moment of national importance. In such a scenario we should rub out the differences including ideological ones to prioritise people as primary. We are battling against a larger cause where I am ready to sacrifice the small differences," he said.

Earlier, the MNM leader also met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and support his Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2022. He also interviewed Rahul Gandhi on Indian politics. 

The support extended by MNM for Congress is also viewed as a shift in his support towards the Opposition ahead of the Indian Parliamentary elections next year. Hinting at the speculation, Kamal Haasan said, "This should not be considered as the decision which is likely to be made a year later."

The Erode (East) constituency fell vacant after the demise of Thirumahan Everaa, the son of EVKS Elangovan. The sitting MLA died after suffering a cardiac arrest on January 4.  

On the other hand, AIADMK is involved in factional politics. While AIADMK leader Edappadi Palaniswami announced that AIADMK will contest in the elections, O Panneerselvam has also announced that his faction will take part in the polls.