The AIADMK and BJP are close to finalizing a seat-sharing agreement for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The BJP is expected to contest approximately 29 seats as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Informal discussions have outlined the allocation of seats, with the BJP likely to receive 29 constituencies, PMK around 18 seats, and AMMK nine seats under the alliance formula.
A senior AIADMK leader confirmed the agreement’s broad framework, indicating that official discussions are anticipated after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Tiruchirappalli on March 11. Initially, the BJP had requested around 60 seats but later scaled down its demand to about 30 seats. AIADMK leaders have assured the BJP that the allotted constituencies will be conducive to the party’s success to secure the agreement for 29 seats.
Delays in finalizing the seat-sharing deal are partly attributed to the BJP’s efforts to include actor-politician Vijay’s TVK in the NDA. The AIADMK aims to contest about 170 seats in the 234-member Assembly. While AMMK sought 13 constituencies, the AIADMK proposed nine seats, including various key locations. Smaller allies are expected to receive limited representation, with two seats each likely for parties such as Tamil Maanila Congress, Tamizha Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and Indiya Jananayaga Katchi.
Discussions are ongoing regarding whether smaller parties should contest under the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol or the BJP’s ‘lotus’ symbol for better electoral prospects. Final decisions on these matters will be made during formal talks among the alliance partners.
