New Delhi, Feb. 18 -- The Election Commission of India has allotted the torch light symbol to Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), the party founded by actor and MP Kamal Haasan, ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Puducherry.

The party will likely contest as part of the Secular Progressive Alliance led by the Dravid Munnetra Kazhagam although no seat sharing arrangements have been announced yet.

The symbol is not new to MNM. The party contested both the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly elections on the same symbol, which was allotted to it as a free symbol as MNM is not a recognised state party. The fresh allotment ensures continuity and voter recall as the party prepares for the next round of elections.

Kamal H...