DMK to Contest 165 Seats as Seat-Sharing Deal Finalised for Tamil Nadu Polls

Chennai, March 2026: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement within the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, deciding to contest at least 165 constituencies as part of a broad coalition of 26 parties.

With a total of 66 seats already allocated to its allies, the DMK-led alliance has entered the final phase of preparations ahead of the high-stakes electoral contest. The seat distribution reflects a careful balancing act aimed at maintaining unity within the alliance while maximising its electoral prospects across the state.

Among the alliance partners, the Indian National Congress has emerged as the largest ally, securing 28 seats. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi has been allotted eight seats, while both the Communist Party of India and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) have been given five seats each.

Other key allies include the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, which has received four seats, and the Indian Union Muslim League and the Humanist People’s Party, with two seats each.

In a notable strategic move, Chief Minister and DMK President M. K. Stalin announced that candidates from both the DMK and its allies would collectively contest in 175 Assembly constituencies under the party’s iconic ‘Rising Sun’ symbol. The decision is being seen as an effort to project unity and cohesion within the alliance, while strengthening its electoral identity.

In a detailed communication to party cadres, Stalin said the seat-sharing exercise was conducted through extensive consultations with alliance partners, ensuring a fair and democratic distribution. He noted that the inclusion of new political entrants in the alliance required careful deliberation to maintain balance and avoid friction among partners.

Highlighting the achievements of his government, Stalin said the “Dravidian model” of governance had brought back growth and stability in Tamil Nadu after what he termed a decade of stagnation under the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam regime. He credited alliance partners for their continued support in advancing policies rooted in secularism, social justice, and state autonomy.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the scale of internal democratic participation in candidate selection. According to him, more than 16,500 aspirants underwent interviews conducted between March 17 and 23, reflecting the party’s strong grassroots engagement and transparent selection process.

Calling for unity and discipline, Stalin urged party workers to rally behind all alliance candidates, regardless of party affiliation. “All 234 Assembly constituencies are ours,” he said, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts to secure a decisive mandate.

With the seat-sharing arrangement largely completed, the DMK-led alliance is now shifting its focus to campaign mobilisation. Presenting a united front, the coalition is gearing up for an intense electoral battle, aiming to consolidate its position and retain power in the forthcoming Assembly elections.