Chennai, Nov 23 (NationPress) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), a partner of the DMK, is gearing up for negotiations to secure a notably increased number of seats for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with an emphasis on general (unreserved) constituencies.

Having contested six seats in the last election, the party is now aiming for a two-digit allocation to expand its political influence beyond its established base.

As per sources within the party, VCK intends to request at least 12 seats from the DMK during alliance talks.

Party leaders assert that the demand for more general constituencies is part of a strategic vision aimed at enhancing the party's reach across various regions and integrating diverse democratic factions that have allied with VCK recently.

In the previous election cycle of 2021, VCK successfully contested two general seats—Thiruporur and Nagapattinam—winning both. These achievements illustrate the party’s escalating acceptance among non-Dalit demographics.

However, the party faced setbacks in Arakkonam and Vanur, which were reserved seats that went to the AIADMK.

The rising interest from candidates for general constituencies has bolstered the party's belief that it can excel beyond the reserved categories.

VCK leaders mention that the party has previously nominated a combination of Dalit and non-Dalit candidates, notably during the 2016 Assembly elections when it participated in 25 seats under a different coalition.

Despite speculations regarding a potential reduction in seat allocation by the DMK to its allies, VCK remains optimistic that its share will increase.

D. Ravikumar, the party's general secretary and an MP, emphasized that the alliance with DMK is vital, warning that any weakening of the partnership would benefit the BJP.

In its strategic planning, VCK is likely to pursue general constituencies such as Bhuvanagiri, Shozhinganallur, Tiruvallur, and Mailam, in addition to reserved seats like Kallakurichi, Sholavandan, Sirkazhi, and Harur.

The party’s floor leader in the legislative assembly, Sinthanai Selvan, noted that a growing number of non-Dalit youths have joined VCK, motivated by the leadership’s ongoing appeal for caste eradication.

He stated that the party must cultivate political opportunities for these young members and persist in its mission to revolutionize Dalit politics by transcending identity-focused issues and establishing a more prominent voice in mainstream political discussions.

Another senior party figure highlighted that VCK’s continuous advocacy for OBC welfare has broadened its support network, contributing to the impressive strike rate the party achieved in the last assembly election.