As Tamil Nadu’s assembly elections loom large, political maneuvering has intensified between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress. In a crucial development, DMK parliamentary leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi held an hour-long meeting with Congress heavyweight Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. The discussions zeroed in on seat-sharing arrangements and alliance coordination ahead of the polls.
Sources close to the matter reveal that Kanimozhi presented Rahul Gandhi with a tentative list of assembly seats DMK is willing to allocate to its allies, particularly Congress. The conversation delved into how many seats Congress should contest and which constituencies would offer the best prospects, factoring in past electoral outcomes and local dynamics.
DMK leadership has signaled readiness to offer 27 assembly seats to Congress, alongside potential support for an additional Rajya Sabha seat within a broader alliance framework. Congress, however, is reportedly pushing for 30 assembly seats. While no formal announcement followed the meeting, insiders describe the talks as constructive, paving the way for a swift agreement to shift focus to campaign strategies and candidate selections.
Kanimozhi also voiced concerns over recent public statements from some Tamil Nadu Congress leaders on alliance issues, urging Rahul Gandhi to keep internal disagreements private to preserve the coalition’s united front. She emphasized the need for both parties to set aside differences and work in unison to counter opposition forces and retain voter confidence.
This meeting gains significance amid heightened political activity in Tamil Nadu, where major parties are gearing up for the elections. Both DMK and Congress are keen to solidify their partnership, with more rounds of negotiations expected soon to iron out seat-sharing details and resolve any lingering disputes. The alliance’s strength could prove pivotal in the state’s fiercely contested electoral landscape.