DMK steps up seat-sharing discussions with allies

With the announcement of the Tamil Nadu Assembly election schedule, the ruling DMK is speeding up seat-sharing with allies such as the CPI, CPI(M), VCK, and the new constituent DMDK.

While the Left parties have insisted on more seats than the six each they were given in 2021, the DMK leadership is citing constraints due to alliance expansion. The talks between the DMK and the Left parties will resume on March 17, as the DMK is holding its district secretaries’ meeting on Monday.

Sources said the DMK may allot five seats each to the CPI and the CPI(M) and also restrict the number for the DMDK to a single digit as the party’s nominee L.K. Sudhish was given a Rajya Sabha berth. As for the Congress, the DMK had given it 28, three more than last time. “The DMDK is demanding seats in two digits, but we are unable to concede to its demands,” a source said.

VCK leaders say at least 10 seats would justify the party’s strength and convince the cadre. The DMK, however, is inclined to allot it eight seats, up from six from last time.

The DMK leadership refused to believe that actor-TVK founder Vijay would join the AIADMK-BJP alliance. A senior DMK leader said Mr. Vijay would not accept the deal as it would expose him thoroughly. “It will also be easy for us to campaign against the alliance if he joins hands with the BJP. We will easily win the election,” he said.