With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections set for April 23, political parties are racing to finalize seat-sharing agreements as the filing of nomination papers starts on March 30. The ruling DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) are facing challenges in reaching a consensus on seat allocations. The DMK alliance has settled agreements with only six out of 26 parties, while tensions persist over seat distributions within the coalition.
The Congress has been assigned 28 seats, CPI 5, MDMK 4, IUML 2, Humanity People’s Party 2, and Kongunadu People’s National Party 2 in the DMK-led front. However, disagreements arise as VCK and CPI(M) demand more seats than offered. Talks with potential allies like Makkal Needhi Maiam are stalled due to dissatisfaction over seat allocations. On the other hand, the AIADMK alliance, including BJP and PMK, is yet to finalize its seat-sharing formula, with informal estimates suggesting possible seat distributions.
PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss and AIADMK general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran have met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to negotiate for more seats. Discussions are also in progress with Puthiya Tamilagam for possible inclusion in the alliance. As the deadline approaches, both alliances are under pressure to resolve internal conflicts and present a united front before the nomination process commences.
