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Puthiya Tamilagam May Go Solo as NDA Seat-Share Talks Stall in Tamil Nadu

Puthiya Tamilagam founder K Krishnasamy has announced his party is preparing to contest the Tamil Nadu assembly elections independently. This comes after seat-sharing negotiations with the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance stalled due to what PT considered a low number of seat offers. Krishnasamy asserted his party's strong presence in several southern districts and its campaign against the ruling DMK. Meanwhile, the AIADMK has finalized its NDA seat-share, claiming 169 seats for itself, with the BJP getting 27.

Key Points: Krishnasamy: PT May Contest Independently After NDA Talks Stall

  • PT considers independent run
  • Seat-sharing talks with NDA stalled
  • Party cites strong base in 6 districts
  • AIADMK to contest 169 seats in alliance
  • Tamil Nadu polls set for April 23
2 min read

Preparing to contest independently, talks stalled due to low seat offer: PT chief K Krishnasamy ahead of Tamil Nadu polls

PT chief K Krishnasamy says seat-sharing talks with AIADMK-led NDA have stalled over low seat offers, forcing party to prepare for independent contest.

"Talks with AIADMK and NDA partners stalled due to minimal seat offers - K Krishnasamy"

Coimbatore, March 25

Puthiya Tamilagam founder and president K Krishnasamy on Wednesday informed that his party is preparing to contest the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections independently after seat-sharing talks "stalled" with the National Democratic Alliance due to a low number of seats being offered.

Speaking to ANI, Krishnasamy asserted that his party has a strong presence in Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, and Dindigul; meanwhile, it has also been working against Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's "misrule" from the past five years within the state.

He also stated that seat-sharing talks with AIADMK and other NDA parties stalled due to minimal seat offers. As a result, the party is collecting candidate applications, and a decision will be made in the coming days.

"We work for marginalised communities, with strong bases in districts such as Tenkasi, Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Dindigul region, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. The party has campaigned against five years of DMK misrule... Talks with AIADMK and NDA partners stalled due to minimal seat offers, so the party is preparing to contest the 2026 assembly elections independently. Candidate applications are being collected, with final decisions to follow," said Krishnasamy. Puthiya Tamilagam had supported the AIADMK, which had allied with the BJP, in the 2021 assembly elections. PT continued to stay in the alliance till 2024, lending its support for the general elections too.

Meanwhile, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) on Wednesday announced its seat-sharing arrangement with NDA allies for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The AIADMK, which leads the alliance, will contest 169 of the 234 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will contest 27 seats, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) 18, Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) 11, Tamil Maanila Congress five, Indhiya Jananayaga Katchi (IJK) one, and Puratchi Bharatham one seat.

Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which also includes Congress, DMDK, and the VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with TVK, attempting to turn the upcoming elections into a three-way contest.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As someone from Madurai, I've seen PT's work in rural areas. They are right to stand their ground. Why should they accept crumbs when they bring votes from marginalised communities? Going independent might be a bold move. 🤔
S
Suresh O
The seat-sharing math is always messy. AIADMK taking 169 seats seems greedy, leaving very little for others. This fragmentation only helps the DMK. The opposition needs to unite strongly to have any chance.
A
Anjali F
Respectfully, while I understand PT's frustration, a split opposition vote is the last thing Tamil Nadu needs. A three-way contest with Vijay's party entering might just split the anti-DMK vote further. Sometimes pragmatism is needed for the larger goal.
K
Karthik V
Good for Krishnasamy! Standing up for your party's worth. These big parties think they can use smaller ones and then discard them. If you have a strong base, contest alone and show your strength. All the best! 💪
M
Michael C
Following Tamil Nadu politics from outside, it's fascinating. The dynamics of caste, region, and now a film star entering the fray. This independent move by PT could be a spoiler or a kingmaker in those specific districts. High-stakes political drama!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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