The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), founded by late Tamil superstar Vijayakant, has gained 10 seats in the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This positions the DMDK as the third-largest partner in the coalition, with the Congress being allocated 28 seats. The agreement was reached after discussions between DMK President M.K. Stalin and DMDK General Secretary Premalatha Vijayakant at the DMK headquarters in Chennai.
In addition to the Assembly seats, the DMDK has secured a Rajya Sabha seat, with party treasurer L.K. Sudhish set to be nominated. This development signifies a significant turnaround for the DMDK, which had faced challenges in maintaining its political relevance in recent times. The allocation is viewed as a strategic move by the DMK to strengthen its alliance by accommodating key partners, as some longstanding allies did not meet their expectations for double-digit seat shares.
Following the signing of the agreement, Premalatha Vijayakant addressed the media, dismissing any notions of secrecy in the negotiations and expressing optimism about the alliance’s electoral prospects. Quoting a famous dialogue of actor Rajinikanth, she stated, “Even if we come late, we will be the latest,” highlighting the party’s renewed political vigor. She also announced plans to establish a committee soon to finalize the constituencies the party will contest.
The DMDK has already provided a list of approximately 25 preferred constituencies to the DMK, including regions like Virudhunagar, Virudhachalam, Gudiyatham, and Rishivandiyam where the party had shown strength in the 2011 Assembly elections. Emphasizing the commitment to alliance unity, Premalatha assured that the DMDK would uphold “alliance dharma” and strive for the victory of all partners. She expressed confidence in the DMK-led alliance securing over 200 seats in the 234-member Assembly.
This agreement positions the DMDK for a potential political resurgence, solidifying its presence in Tamil Nadu’s changing electoral scenario while bolstering the DMK-led coalition ahead of the April 23 polls.
