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Tamil Nadu's Rajya Sabha Race Heats Up as DMK, AIADMK Jockey for Seats

Elections for six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu are scheduled for April 6, with the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK engaged in strategic positioning. The DMK, with a comfortable assembly majority, is expected to retain its four seats but faces internal lobbying and ally demands. The AIADMK, with a tighter arithmetic, is relying on support from its NDA partners, including the BJP and PMK, to secure its two seats. The outcome is seen as crucial for shaping political alignments ahead of the 2026 state assembly elections.

Key Points: Tamil Nadu Rajya Sabha Elections: DMK, AIADMK Alliance Strategies

  • Six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu vacant
  • DMK confident of retaining four seats
  • AIADMK banking on NDA partner support
  • Elections a lever for 2026 alliance talks
  • Internal lobbying intensifies in both parties
3 min read

RS seat stakes rise in Tamil Nadu as DMK, AIADMK and allies rally for support

Key Rajya Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu up for grabs as DMK and AIADMK negotiate with allies ahead of 2026 state polls. Analysis of the political calculus.

"The resignations do not cost us the seats as long as the NDA votes stay together on polling day. - Vaigaichelvan"

Chennai, Jan 22

With the election to six Rajya Sabha seats from Tamil Nadu due on April 6, the political temperature has begun to rise as major parties and their allies manoeuvre to secure representation in the Upper House.

While the ruling DMK appears numerically well placed, and the opposition AIADMK is banking on alliance arithmetic, the contest has triggered fresh negotiations, bargaining and strategic positioning across the state's political spectrum.

Of the six seats falling vacant, four are currently held by the DMK and two by the AIADMK.

On the DMK side, the terms of Tiruchi Siva, N.R. Elango, P. Selvarasu and Kanimozhi N.V.N. Somu are coming to an end. With a comfortable majority in the Assembly, the DMK-led bloc is expected to retain all four seats. However, lobbying has intensified within the party, while allies are also pressing their claims, viewing Rajya Sabha berths as leverage in negotiations for higher Assembly seat allocations ahead of the 2026 polls.

Party sources said N.R. Elango's renomination is confirmed so far, while a final call on Tiruchi Siva is awaited. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is expected to make a decision soon on the remaining two seats, which could be used strategically to accommodate allies.

The DMDK has repeatedly reiterated its demand for a Rajya Sabha berth, while political observers note that the Congress could also stake a claim as part of broader alliance talks.

Across the political aisle, the AIADMK faces tighter arithmetic. The Rajya Sabha terms of senior leader M. Thambidurai and Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) president G.K. Vasan are ending. Though the party has lost three MLAs due to recent resignations, AIADMK leaders maintain that it can still retain both seats with the backing of its National Democratic Alliance (NDA) partners.

It requires 34 MLAs to elect one Rajya Sabha member. With its own strength falling short, the AIADMK is counting on the support of the BJP's MLAs and the faction led by PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss.

"The resignations do not cost us the seats as long as the NDA votes stay together on polling day," said AIADMK Deputy General Secretary Vaigaichelvan.

A senior DMK leader said the final allocation would be decided shortly after assessing both organisational priorities and alliance requirements. "The leadership will take a holistic view. The Chief Minister will decide whether all the seats should go to party leaders or whether some should be used to strengthen alliances," the leader said, signalling that the Rajya Sabha elections could play a key role in shaping political alignments ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh Q
AIADMK's situation looks precarious. Losing MLAs before such an important election is not a good sign. They need to get their house in order if they want to be a strong opposition. BJP support is not a guarantee in state politics.
K
Karthik V
As a Tamilian, I wish these elections were more about merit and less about political bargaining. We need strong voices in the Rajya Sabha who understand ground realities, not just those who can win the numbers game. 🤔
S
Sarah B
Following Indian politics from abroad, it's fascinating to see how state-level dynamics play out in the Upper House. The strategic use of these seats to cement alliances for the next state election is a classic long-term political move.
M
Manish T
DMK has a clear advantage, but they must handle allies carefully. Congress and DMDK both expecting a seat will create tension. Stalin's decision will show his grip over the coalition. Hope for stability!
A
Anjali F
With all this political maneuvering, I hope the common citizen's issues don't get forgotten. These RS members should focus on legislation that benefits the state, not just their party's agenda. A little less drama and more work, please.

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