The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has reportedly come forward to allocate only five constituencies each to the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM). However, sources indicate that both parties are firm that the number should not fall below six constituencies. As a result, the seat-sharing negotiations within the alliance committee are said to be continuing without a final breakthrough.

With more than 22 parties now part of the DMK-led alliance, questions had already emerged about how the seat-sharing arrangement would be finalised. Several parties had earlier demanded a larger share of seats, and in the meantime, parties including Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), Makkal Needhi Maiam and Mukkulathor Pulippadai also joined the alliance fold.

Following this, seat-sharing talks were concluded and agreements reached with parties such as the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), the Congress and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK). On another front, negotiations have also been completed with parties including Mukkulathor Pulippadai, Thamimun Ansari, Thaniyarasu and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI). An official announcement regarding these arrangements is expected soon.

However, there has been no progress so far in the seat-sharing discussions with key DMK allies — the CPI, CPM and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). In the previous election, these three parties were allotted six constituencies each. During the initial round of talks this time, the DMK is understood to have indicated that only four seats could be allocated to both CPI and CPM.

The DMK’s seat-sharing negotiation committee reportedly told the Left parties that, with several new parties joining the alliance, not only the DMK but its partners too would have to make concessions.

Amid these developments, CPI leaders, aware of the evolving situation, directly met Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and placed their request, insisting that the same six constituencies allotted in the previous election should be retained.

Subsequently, the DMK negotiation committee is said to have moved forward to an offer of five seats. A similar development has reportedly taken place in the case of the CPM as well. Even so, both parties remain firm that their representation should not fall below six constituencies.

As things stand, it remains to be seen whether the DMK will increase its offer or whether the Communist parties will maintain their current stand in the ongoing negotiations.