AIADMK-Led NDA Nears Final Seat-Sharing Deal Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls

Chennai, March 2026 : With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections fast approaching, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is moving quickly to finalise its seat-sharing arrangements, as the deadline for filing nominations draws closer.

The nomination process is scheduled to begin on March 30 and conclude on April 6, leaving the alliance with limited time to iron out differences. Over the past week, intense backchannel negotiations have accelerated discussions, pushing them into the final stage, with key decisions expected shortly.

Sources indicate that the AIADMK leadership, under General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, is determined to contest the majority of seats. The party is aiming to secure enough constituencies on its own to cross the halfway mark of 118 seats in the 234-member Assembly, thereby positioning itself to form the government independently.

This strategy reflects a calculated approach to consolidate its core voter base while accommodating alliance partners in a limited number of constituencies. The groundwork for the current negotiations was reportedly laid during Palaniswami’s recent visit to New Delhi, where he held discussions with senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. These talks are believed to have helped narrow differences and bring greater clarity to the proposed seat distribution.

According to sources, the AIADMK is likely to contest between 160 and 170 seats, maintaining a dominant presence within the alliance. Meanwhile, the BJP is expected to field candidates in around 30 constituencies, marking an increase from the 20 seats it contested in the 2021 Assembly elections.

Other allies are also being accommodated as part of the evolving formula. The Pattali Makkal Katchi, led by Anbumani Ramadoss, is likely to receive around 17 seats. The Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, headed by T. T. V. Dhinakaran, may be allotted approximately nine constituencies. The Tamil Maanila Congress, led by G. K. Vasan, is expected to contest about three seats.

Smaller alliance partners may contest either on the AIADMK’s ‘Two Leaves’ symbol or the BJP’s ‘Lotus’ symbol, depending on the final agreement. This flexible arrangement is aimed at maintaining unity while ensuring visibility for all partners.

Senior BJP leaders have indicated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been closely monitoring the negotiations to ensure consensus and avoid last-minute disputes. After initial discussions in New Delhi, the focus has now shifted to Chennai, where the final agreement is expected to be sealed.

The alliance is also drawing lessons from the 2021 Assembly elections, where the AIADMK emerged as the principal opposition but with a reduced tally. This time, the party is adopting a more assertive approach to maximise its electoral prospects.

With new dynamics, including shifts within the PMK and the entry of the AMMK into the alliance, the upcoming electoral battle in Tamil Nadu is shaping up to be highly competitive and closely watched.