Actor and part-time politician DMK stooge Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan has come under sharp criticism from within his own party after the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) abruptly decided to stay out of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, leaving over 60 aspirants who had paid a steep ₹50,000 application fee without a refund, a ticket, or even an explanation, as reported in The New Indian Express.
In the months leading up to the polls, MNM had called for applications from party members seeking tickets to contest. Each applicant was asked to pay ₹50,000 – an amount cadres say was significantly higher than what other parties charged. Over 60 aspirants across Tamil Nadu, including several from Coimbatore, reportedly paid the fee and submitted applications, hoping to represent the party.
However, the party’s sudden decision to stay away from the elections has triggered anger and disillusionment among its own functionaries. Cadres who had invested both money and years of groundwork now find themselves sidelined, with no clarity on refunding the fees collected.
Party insiders have indicated that the decision has exposed serious questions about MNM’s internal functioning and leadership intent. Several functionaries have pointed out that the party actively encouraged applications and accepted large sums despite having no clear commitment to contest, raising concerns about financial transparency and accountability.
In regions like Coimbatore, where MNM had previously built some momentum and was part of the DMK-led alliance, expectations were particularly high. Cadres believed the party stood a realistic chance in constituencies such as Coimbatore South. The withdrawal, therefore, has not only dealt a political blow but also deepened resentment within the ranks.
Adding to the controversy, multiple applications were reportedly submitted under the name of senior party leader R. Thangavelu at his request, further complicating the issue of accountability. Functionaries claim there has been little to no communication from the leadership regarding the status of these payments.
With no immediate refund announced, frustration has escalated across the state. Cadres are now openly demanding that the party return the collected money, arguing that the episode has caused both financial loss and a serious erosion of trust.
Even as internal discontent grows, MNM’s leadership has remained largely non-committal, with indications that discussions are underway on whether to issue full or partial refunds. A final decision is said to be pending.
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