In a significant political development ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) has officially joined the DMK alliance today. As new parties continue to align with the DMK front, the ruling party had invited SDPI for alliance negotiations, culminating in its formal entry.

During the previous election, SDPI was part of the AIADMK alliance. However, with the AIADMK now aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), SDPI has exited that front. As the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections draw closer and with no decision taken so far regarding its electoral alignment, speculation had mounted over whether SDPI would eventually join the DMK-led coalition.

The Election Commission is expected to announce the Assembly poll schedule shortly. The ruling DMK, the opposition AIADMK, and other parties including TVK and Naam Tamilar Katchi have intensified their campaign activities across the state. The DMK alliance already comprises the Indian National Congress, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, the Communist parties, the Indian Union Muslim League, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, Makkal Needhi Maiam and Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi, among others.

In this backdrop, DMDK has also joined the DMK alliance, strengthening the front further. Now, with SDPI set to become part of the combine, the DMK-led alliance appears to be expanding its social and political base. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, SDPI had contested as part of the AIADMK alliance from Dindigul constituency and faced defeat.

With the AIADMK entering into an alliance with the BJP, SDPI walked out of that front and has now moved closer to the DMK. A few months ago, SDPI state president Nellai Mubarak had met DMK president M.K. Stalin for consultations. Subsequently, the party has voiced support for the DMK on several issues.

On Thursday, the DMK invited SDPI to participate in the seat-sharing talks among alliance partners at Anna Arivalayam. During the meeting held today, SDPI submitted its list concerning seat allocation. Reports suggest that the party may be allotted one or two constituencies in the alliance.

The DMK-led front already includes parties such as the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and the Indian Union Muslim League, both of which have a base among minority communities. In this context, it is being said that SDPI’s inclusion is aimed at further consolidating minority votes within the alliance.

Speaking to reporters after the talks, SDPI state president Nellai Mubarak said, “SDPI will contest in the DMK alliance on the Rising Sun symbol. We have sought three constituencies from the DMK. They have said they will consider and inform us.”