Chennai, March 10 (NationPress) The AIADMK and BJP are reportedly nearing the conclusion of a seat-sharing agreement for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with the BJP expected to contest approximately 29 seats as part of the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

While formal negotiations have yet to commence, insider sources from both the AIADMK and BJP indicate that the preliminary framework for the seat-sharing formula has been established through informal discussions.

Under the tentative arrangement, the BJP may be allocated 29 constituencies, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) is projected to receive about 18 seats, while T.T.V. Dhinakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) is anticipated to be granted nine seats within the alliance structure.

A senior leader from AIADMK confirmed that both parties have largely agreed on the framework, noting that official discussions are likely to occur after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Tiruchirappalli on March 11.

“Formal negotiations regarding seat-sharing are expected to take place around March 14, following the rally,” the leader stated.

Earlier in the talks, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, involved in the alliance discussions, had reportedly presented a wish list of about 60 seats for the BJP. However, the party later reduced its request to roughly 30 seats.

To encourage the BJP to agree to 29 seats, AIADMK leaders have assured their ally that constituencies seen as favorable for the party’s prospects will be included.

AIADMK sources also noted that the delay in finalizing the seat-sharing arrangement is due to the BJP's ongoing efforts to incorporate actor-politician Vijay’s TVK into the NDA.

If these efforts prove successful, the allocation of seats among current alliance partners may require revision. Presently, AIADMK aims to contest around 170 seats in the 234-member Assembly.

While AMMK reportedly requested 13 constituencies, AIADMK leadership has suggested allotting nine seats, including Sholinghur, Andipatti, Ottapidaram, Nanguneri, Pudukkottai, Harur, Melur, Papanasam, and Musiri.

As per the proposed formula, smaller allies are also expected to receive limited representation. Two seats each are likely to be assigned to parties such as G.K. Vasan’s Tamil Maanila Congress, B. John Pandian’s Tamizha Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and T.R. Paarivendhar’s Indiya Jananayaga Katchi.

Alliance leaders are deliberating whether smaller parties should contest under AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol to enhance their winning prospects, although the BJP reportedly prefers to field such candidates under its ‘lotus’ symbol.

Final determinations on these matters will be made during formal discussions among the alliance partners.