The Congress committee formed for seat-sharing talks with the ruling DMK has identified around 70 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu from which it would like to contest in the 2026 Assembly election.
“We are firm that our alliance with the DMK will continue, and it is for the high command to take decisions on issues such as power-sharing and the number of seats we should get. Focus is on identifying constituencies where we have a base and where our prospects are strong,” a committee member said.
The Congress State unit is likely to gain momentum with the visit of its leader Rahul Gandhi in the third week of February. DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi has already discussed with him issues related to seat-sharing, the number of seats to be allotted, and a share in power. The DMK has explained that power-sharing was not possible.
On Sunday, members of the AICC committee for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry — Girish Chodankar, Suraj Hegde, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai, and Congress Legislative Party leader S. Rajeshkumar — met and discussed various issues. Nivedith Alva, a representative of the AICC, did not attend the meeting.
The Congress is also keen on contesting more constituencies in the southern districts. “We do not want to seek constituencies represented by or preferred by DMK Ministers and district secretaries. On the other hand, we are ready to take on the BJP on the ground,” said a member, who attended the meeting in Chennai.
The party also decided to strengthen booth committees and BLA2 structures to ensure effective election work. “We can start seat-sharing talks once the DMK constitutes a committee for the purpose,” the leader said.
Published – February 02, 2026 12:50 am IST
