Chennai, Feb 16 (NationPress) As Tamil Nadu's Assembly elections approach, tensions are escalating between the DMK and the Congress regarding seat-sharing and their roles in governance, jeopardizing the stability of the INDIA bloc in the region.

For almost two months, disagreements have persisted due to the Congress party's insistence on a formal stake in governance if the alliance regains control.

Despite a Congress delegation's meeting with Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin on December 3 to address seat-sharing -- which seemed to ease tensions -- the matter reignited after a senior Congress observer publicly supported a “coalition government” concept in Tamil Nadu.

The delay in forming a formal DMK committee to kickstart alliance discussions further agitated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. During a meeting on January 25 in Delhi, it's reported that Rahul expressed his frustration to DMK Deputy General Secretary Kanimozhi, urging the swift initiation of seat-sharing talks to prevent a last-minute crisis reminiscent of the Bihar Assembly elections, where Congress only secured six wins out of 61 contested seats.

Later, the DMK declared that discussions with alliance partners would commence on February 22. Nevertheless, Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu have ramped up public demands.

MPs Manickam Tagore and Jyothimani, former MP Viswanathan, and former TNCC president K.S. Alagiri have publicly insisted on a governmental role, arguing that the party's unwavering support for the DMK should equate to power-sharing.

In response, DMK Ministers Raghupathi and Rajakannappan issued strong counter-statements, exacerbating dissatisfaction among party cadres. Even after CM Stalin remarked on February 11 that “power-sharing is not part of Tamil Nadu’s political culture,” discussions have remained heated, with leaders from both parties exchanging sharp remarks on social media.

Congress leaders contend that despite being pivotal in alliance successes, the party has not held power in Tamil Nadu since 1967. They reference historical instances -- 61 seats in 1984, 60 in 1991, and 34 in 2006 -- where Congress was excluded from the ruling establishment. In 2021, while the DMK won 133 of 173 contested seats, Congress achieved 18 wins from 25 seats, reflecting a higher success rate.

Sources indicate that Congress is now aiming for up to 45 seats and more chances for younger leaders, cautioning that disenchantment could push grassroots members towards Vijay’s TVK.

Conversely, the DMK is thought to be first allocating seats to smaller allies, potentially maneuvering Congress into a last-minute concession.

With the AIADMK expected to announce its initial candidate list on February 24 and campaign energy escalating, both parties find themselves in a high-stakes negotiation not only over seats but also concerning status, influence, and their future within the alliance.