The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), gearing up to retain power and usher in what it describes as a “Dravidian Model 2.0” regime, will constitute its seat-sharing committee on February 22 and begin negotiations with alliance partners from February 23.As per party practice over the years, the DMK is expected to hold the first round of talks with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), which has already formed a five-member panel for discussions. While the IUML was allotted two seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, it is believed to be seeking five seats this time, though indications suggest it may settle for three.
Following discussions with the IUML, the DMK will open talks with the Indian National Congress, which has expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in initiating seat-sharing negotiations. More than 75 days have passed since the All India Congress Committee (AICC) formed its Tamil Nadu seat-sharing panel headed by Girish Chodankar. The Congress panel had earlier held preliminary discussions with the DMK leadership led by Chief Minister and party president M K Stalin.
The Congress has reportedly demanded at least 42 seats—up from 25 in 2021—along with a “share in power” if the DMK-led alliance returns to office. However, the DMK has firmly rejected the concept of power sharing, describing it as alien to Tamil Nadu’s political tradition. Stalin has reiterated that there is no rift in the alliance and that ties with the Congress remain strong.
The issue of power sharing gained traction after actor-politician Vijay and his fledgling party floated the idea of coalition governance in the State. This triggered speculation about shifting political equations, though TNCC leaders have denied any move away from the DMK alliance.
Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjuna Kharge and AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, have clarified that remarks by some state leaders on power sharing were personal views and not the official stand of the party. Venugopal emphasised that the Congress remains a committed ally of the DMK and warned leaders against making public statements on alliance matters.
After finalising talks with the Congress, the DMK is expected to negotiate with other allies including the MDMK, VCK, CPI, CPI(M), and MNM led by Kamal Haasan. Party sources indicated that seat-sharing arrangements are likely to be completed before the Election Commission issues the poll notification, expected by the end of this month or early March.
With Assembly elections anticipated in April, the DMK has expressed confidence that the negotiations will conclude amicably, paving the way for a united electoral battle.