DMK Sets Deadline for Allies as Seat-Sharing Talks Intensify Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls

Chennai, March 2026 : Mounting pressure within the DMK-led alliance has pushed the party leadership to take a firm stand, asking its partners to accept the proposed seat-sharing arrangement by March 23 or face delays in finalising electoral plans for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled on April 23.

With time running out, the urgency around negotiations has increased significantly. Despite several rounds of discussions, key allies such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam have yet to formally agree to the seat allocation proposed by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

The lack of consensus has created unease within the alliance at a crucial stage, especially as preparations for filing nominations are set to begin soon. Among the allies, the VCK has been particularly vocal in expressing dissatisfaction. Party leader Thol Thirumavalavan, in a strongly worded video message, conveyed disappointment over what the party considers an inadequate number of seats. However, sources indicate that backchannel discussions are ongoing, raising hopes of a possible compromise.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has stepped up internal consultations to evaluate the offer on the table. Senior leaders have been holding meetings to deliberate on the proposed allocation, which is believed to fall short of the party’s expectations. While the Left party is weighing its options carefully, it has not yet conveyed its final decision to the DMK leadership.

The DMDK, which joined the alliance in the run-up to the elections, has maintained that talks are still underway. Party representatives have indicated that both the number of seats and their distribution across constituencies will be finalised only after a mutually acceptable formula is reached, suggesting that negotiations remain fluid.

Adding further complexity to the discussions, the Makkal Needhi Maiam, led by actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan, has declined the DMK’s suggestion to contest under the alliance’s common symbol. The party has reiterated its intention to retain its own “Torch Light” symbol, a stance that the DMK leadership is still assessing as it works to maintain unity within the coalition.

With the deadline fast approaching, the next few days are expected to be decisive. The outcome of these negotiations will play a crucial role in shaping the final structure of the DMK-led alliance as it prepares for a high-stakes electoral battle in Tamil Nadu.