Is BJP Demanding 45 Seats in AIADMK Alliance as Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls Approach?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- BJP is pushing for 45 seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
- The AIADMK is currently considering its offer, estimating around 20 to 24 seats.
- Political negotiations are critical as multiple parties are involved.
- BJP's past performance has strengthened its position in seat negotiations.
- Final decisions are expected by January during the Pongal festival.
Chennai, Nov 20 (NationPress) With only five months remaining until the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, political factions throughout the state are actively preparing. The alliance negotiations, candidate selections, and organizational restructuring at the district level are in full swing. In this context, the BJP, a pivotal ally in the AIADMK coalition, has opted to request a significantly larger number of seats this time around.
During the 2021 Assembly elections, the BJP participated as part of the AIADMK-led coalition. At that time, the AIADMK contested 179 seats, while its allies, PMK, took on 23 seats, the BJP 20 seats, TMC six seats, and six other smaller parties each received one seat.
The alliance secured a total of 75 seats, with the AIADMK winning 66, the PMK claiming five, and the BJP achieving four. However, leading up to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the BJP exited the AIADMK alliance to form its own front, incorporating the PMK into its ranks.
The AIADMK has also established a separate coalition. Although the BJP did not capture a single seat in Tamil Nadu during that parliamentary election, its performance was surprising, as it surpassed the AIADMK to finish second in numerous constituencies.
Statewide, the BJP placed second in 39 Lok Sabha segments and, notably, in 81 Assembly segments.
Sources indicate that the BJP has now identified seats where it performed well in second place and intends to demand 45 seats from the AIADMK—over double its previous contestation. However, the AIADMK leadership reportedly insists it can only offer around 20 seats, consistent with the previous arrangement.
After internal discussions, the party has suggested a slight increase to 24 seats, but the BJP remains steadfast that the number cannot drop below 45.
The AIADMK has also communicated to the BJP that final decisions will hinge on whether other parties, such as the PMK (led by Anbumani Ramadoss) and the DMDK, join the alliance. Their seat expectations must also be accommodated within the coalition framework.
“Everyone has observed the BJP’s growth in the last parliamentary election. We secured second place in 81 Assembly segments. The AIADMK leadership recognizes this. Requesting additional seats is a logical step,” stated a senior BJP leader.
The AIADMK is anticipated to finalize its alliance structure and announce the seat-sharing arrangement around the Pongal festival in January.