MMK Will Use DMK's 'Rising Sun' Symbol in Tamil Nadu Elections

The Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) will use the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections, a move similar to past elections. They are asking for 5 seats.
By Newsroom | Politics, Tamil Nadu |

The Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) has confirmed its intention to participate in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance. A notable aspect of this arrangement is that the MMK will use the DMK's "Rising Sun" symbol for its candidates. This decision follows recent discussions between the MMK and DMK regarding seat-sharing.

Alliance Discussions and Seat Demands

The MMK, led by MH Jawahirullah, has put forward a request to contest from five seats in the upcoming elections. These discussions have been ongoing, with DMK treasurer TR Baalu reportedly meeting with MMK President MH Jawahirullah. The MMK has stated its commitment to campaigning for the broader DMK alliance across Tamil Nadu.

Symbol Choice: 'Rising Sun'

  • The MMK's decision to contest under the DMK's "Rising Sun" symbol is a key development.

  • This mirrors the arrangement from previous elections where MMK candidates also used the DMK's symbol.

  • MH Jawahirullah has indicated that contesting under the "Rising Sun" symbol is considered a "wise decision" given the current political landscape.

  • The use of ally symbols by parties is subject to Election Commission regulations.

  • In a related legal matter concerning the 2026 Assembly elections, allies of the DMK, including MH Jawahirullah of the MMK, sought interim relief against an Election Commission order that derecognised their individual symbols.

  • The Madras High Court declined to grant this interim relief, observing that doing so would effectively decide the main case. This suggests a precedent for allies contesting under a larger party's symbol.

Political Considerations and Prioritization

  • The MMK has also voiced a desire for greater representation for Muslims within the DMK's candidate distribution.

  • The party has highlighted its priority to counter the "communal BJP."

  • MMK has acknowledged that the DMK government under Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has addressed several long-standing demands from minority communities, including support for education loans and recognition for teachers in minority-run institutions.

Unresolved Matters

  • Reports indicate that the DMK may be hesitant to allot seats to MMK and another ally, the Tamizhaga Valvurimai Katchi (TVK), for the upcoming Parliamentary polls, although the MMK's current focus appears to be on Assembly elections.

  • The exact number of seats the MMK will contest, and their final allocation, remains a subject of ongoing negotiation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why will MMK candidates use the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol in Tamil Nadu elections?
The Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) has agreed to use the DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol for its candidates in the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. This decision was made after talks between the parties and is similar to how they have worked together in the past.
Q: How many seats does MMK want to contest in the Tamil Nadu elections?
The MMK has asked to contest from five seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The exact number of seats they will be given is still being discussed with the DMK.
Q: What is the MMK's main political goal in this election?
The MMK wants to work with the DMK alliance to campaign across Tamil Nadu. A key priority for them is to oppose the BJP, which they see as a communal party.
Q: Has the DMK helped minority communities in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, the MMK has said that the DMK government has helped minority communities. They mentioned support for education loans and help for teachers in schools run by minority groups.
Q: Are there any disagreements between MMK and DMK?
There are ongoing talks about the number of seats MMK will get. Also, there are reports that the DMK might not give seats to MMK and another ally for the upcoming Parliamentary polls, though MMK's focus is on the Assembly elections.