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DMK Allots 2 Seats to KMDK Amid Strained Congress Alliance Talks

The ruling DMK has formalized a seat-sharing agreement with ally KMDK, allotting it two constituencies to contest under the DMK's symbol. This comes amid escalating friction with its primary INDIA bloc partner, the Congress, which is demanding at least 35 seats and a share in the state cabinet. The DMK leadership is firm on contesting 180 seats independently and is reluctant to offer more than the 25 seats Congress contested in 2021. The stalemate centers on the Congress's push for governance power-sharing, which conflicts with the DMK's traditional stance of single-party rule.

Key Points: DMK-KMDK Seat Deal Amid Congress Friction in TN Polls

  • DMK seals 2-seat deal with KMDK
  • Congress demands 35 seats, cabinet role
  • DMK insists on contesting 180 seats alone
  • 2021 formula of 25 seats for Congress at stake
2 min read

Tamil Nadu polls: DMK allots two seats to ally KMDK amid friction with Congress

DMK finalizes pact with KMDK for 2 seats as Congress demands 35, sparking a major alliance dispute over seat-sharing and power in Tamil Nadu.

"power-sharing is the need of the hour - Manickam Tagore"

Chennai, March 13

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Friday formalised its seat-sharing pact with the Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi, allotting two constituencies to the regional ally for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The agreement was signed at the DMK headquarters here at Anna Arivalayam, in the presence of Chief Minister and DMK chief M.K. Stalin and KMDK general secretary E.R. Eswaran.

As per the deal, KMDK candidates will contest both seats under the DMK's iconic 'rising sun' symbol.

After concluding seat-sharing talks and confirming the alliance with the KMDK party, Stalin departed from Anna Arivalayam.

This move comes amid intensifying friction between the DMK and its primary INDIA bloc ally, the Congress.

The Congress party has reportedly demanded a minimum of 35 seats, citing its improved performance in recent local and national polls.

However, the DMK leadership is firm on contesting at least 180 seats on its own to ensure a comfortable majority in the 234-member house.

This has led to a significant dispute, with DMK negotiators indicating that the Congress may have to settle for 25 seats, similar to the 2021 assembly polls formula.

The dispute between the Congress and DMK has intensified ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with the Congress explicitly demanding a share in the state cabinet.

Senior Congress leader Manickam Tagore recently emphasised that "power-sharing is the need of the hour," asserting that a coalition government would better reflect the aspirations of the alliance partners.

While the DMK is willing to discuss seat-sharing, it remains firm on its "single-party rule" stance, traditionally rejecting ministerial berths for allies.

This ideological rift has created a high-stakes standoff, as Congress leaders argue that their grassroots support merits a role in governance, not just electoral cooperation.

The DMK maintains that its leadership is the primary face of the Dravidian model and remains unwilling to accommodate allies in the ministry.

In the 2021 Assembly elections, the DMK returned to power after a decade, winning 133 of the 234 seats on its own and securing a clear majority in the Assembly. The Congress, a key ally, had contested 25 seats and won 18 seats.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Congress needs to be realistic. They won 18 out of 25 last time, which is good, but demanding 35 seats and cabinet posts is too much. DMK has the clear mandate and the Dravidian model is working. Why fix what isn't broken? 🤔
V
Vikram M
As someone from Kongu region, happy to see KMDK getting recognition. Regional parties understand local issues better. Hope they raise the concerns of our farmers and industrial workers effectively in the assembly.
R
Rohit P
This friction is not good for the INDIA bloc at the national level. If allies can't share power in a state, how will they govern together at the centre? Both DMK and Congress need to find a middle ground. Compromise is key.
S
Sarah B
Watching from outside, the DMK's stance seems very rigid. If Congress brings significant votes, shouldn't they have a say in governance? A true coalition respects all partners. This "single-party rule" mindset feels outdated.
M
Michael C
Ultimately, what matters is development and stability. Tamil Nadu has been progressing well. Hope these political negotiations don't distract from the actual work of governance. The public wants results, not endless alliance drama.
A
Ananya R
Stalin

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