Chennai’s political circles buzzed with anticipation on Saturday as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress finally launched formal negotiations over seat-sharing for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The meeting, held at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam, marks a crucial step amid weeks of speculation about their alliance’s future.
Leading the Congress delegation was Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai, flanked by a four-member team including AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar, co-in-charge Nivedita Alva, and Congress Legislature Party leader Rajesh Kumar. On the DMK side, party treasurer T.R. Balu headed the talks, supported by a seven-member committee appointed by Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin.
These discussions gain extra weight against a backdrop of growing murmurs that Congress might explore alternatives if talks falter, including informal overtures to actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). Sources reveal Congress is pushing for over 35 assembly seats plus two Rajya Sabha berths. Earlier informal chats between Chodankar and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi stalled over seat numbers.
DMK has offered around 25 assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha spot so far, with potential to stretch to 27 or 28. A senior leader familiar with the talks noted the challenge of accommodating multiple allies and new partners while meeting Congress’s demands exceeding 35 seats. Congress has dropped its earlier push for cabinet berths but remains firm on securing more seats and representation in local bodies, corporations, temple boards, and welfare boards.
DMK leaders hinted at considering these requests in due course. As formal talks unfold, both parties aim to preserve their longstanding alliance, balance internal pressures, and fine-tune electoral equations ahead of the high-stakes polls. The outcome could reshape Tamil Nadu’s opposition dynamics.