CHENNAI: The elections to six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu next month would offer clarity on the battle lines for the 2026 Assembly polls.

According to DMK sources, Makkal Neethi Maiam leader Kamal Hassan stands a bright chance to get into the Parliament. DMK’s advocate and MP P Wilson, whose tenure is ending, will get a second term as his role in New Delhi is vital for the party, both in terms of legal issues and in the Parliament.

MDMK general secretary Vaiko may not be given the seat. He is reportedly keen to secure more MLA seats for MDMK in 2026, although his party members want him to continue as an MP. “There’s been no internal discussion so far, and we are unsure if the leadership intends to push for a nomination,” said a party functionary.

Among other two, incumbent MM Abdulla, whose tenure is ending, is reportedly in the good books of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin and consequently may get another term. However, sources also said Abdulla wants to enter state politics by contesting in the Assembly election from Pudukkottai.

Another incumbent M Shanmugam, leader of DMK’s labour organisation, is likely to be dropped to give way for a new face, sources said.

With the PMK and the DMDK yet to announce which side they will align with for the 2026 election, the end of Anbumani Ramadoss’s tenure and the DMDK’s expectation of a Rajya Sabha seat with the help of the AIADMK have made the situation interesting.

The AIADMK can get two MPs elected with its available strength and the support of BJP and PMK, of which it would like to retain one for itself. The other two parties, however, cannot get a seat without the support of AIADMK.

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