DMK Set to Finalise Seat Sharing Today: 7 Seats for VCK, 8 for DMDK Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls
With five weeks to go for Assembly elections, DMK accelerates alliance talks, closes in on final seat-sharing formula with key partners including Congress, CPI and others
Chennai: With barely five weeks left for the Assembly elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has stepped up efforts to conclude its prolonged seat-sharing negotiations, signalling the final phase of alliance consolidation.
Sources within the party indicate that the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) is likely to be allotted seven constituencies, while the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) may secure eight seats. The leadership is keen to wrap up discussions by this evening, shifting focus swiftly to candidate selection.
The DMK has been engaged in seat-sharing talks for over a month. Agreements have already been signed with several allies, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), which have been allotted two seats each. The Indian National Congress has secured 28 constituencies, while the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has been given four. The Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK) has been allocated two seats.
Earlier on Wednesday, the DMK formalised an agreement with the Communist Party of India (CPI), allotting it five constituencies. Negotiations, which began on February 22, have now entered their concluding stage, with talks ongoing with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M), VCK, and DMDK.
Party insiders suggest that the CPI(M) is expected to retain six constituencies. Meanwhile, a formal agreement with the VCK is likely to be signed shortly, confirming its seven-seat share, while the DMDK is poised to finalise its allocation of eight seats.
The DMK had earlier accommodated the DMDK with a Rajya Sabha berth, reflecting efforts to balance alliance dynamics. Discussions are also expected with smaller outfits such as SDPI, Mukkulathor Pulipadai, Tamilar Desam Katchi, and MJK, many of whom may contest under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol.
There are also indications that the Makkal Needhi Maiam could be offered three constituencies. If the current formula holds, the DMK is expected to field candidates in around 160 constituencies directly, while the alliance, including smaller parties contesting on its symbol, could extend its presence to nearly 170 seats.
With the arithmetic nearing closure, the DMK leadership is preparing to pivot towards finalising candidates, marking a decisive shift from negotiation to campaign mode.
