The Election Commission of India has scheduled the polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu to take place in a single phase on April 23. The ruling DMK is expected to unveil its candidate list soon as discussions with allies approach finalization. Nominations will be accepted from March 30 to April 6, with the counting of votes and result declaration set for May 4.
Seat-sharing negotiations within the DMK-led alliance are in the final stages, with agreements reached with several allies like the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Nadu, MDMK, and the Communist Party of India. However, discussions are ongoing with crucial partners like the Congress and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
The Congress, allocated 28 seats in the alliance, has agreed to 23 constituencies but is seeking changes in the remaining five seats, particularly those like Srivaikuntam and Killiyoor. These constituencies, won by the Congress previously, are now being contested by the DMK, leading to a deadlock in finalizing the agreement.
Demands from other allies, including the DMDK faction and the CPI(M), have also contributed to the delay in releasing the DMK’s candidate list. The DMDK faction led by Premalatha Vijayakanth is seeking constituencies like Rishivandiyam, Virugambakkam, and Ambur, which the DMK is hesitant to concede. The CPI(M) is pushing for constituencies where the DMK has a strong support base, expressing dissatisfaction over a reduction in the number of seats allocated to them.
Efforts to resolve issues with the Congress, address demands from the DMDK faction, and cater to the concerns of the CPI(M) have collectively delayed the release of the DMK’s candidate list. Despite preparations at the DMK headquarters to announce the list, the lack of final agreements with key allies has postponed the announcement. However, sources suggest that an amicable settlement is likely to be reached soon, paving the way for the release of the much-anticipated candidate list.
