AIADMK Reveals NDA Seat Allocation; BJP Takes 27 Constituencies

Synopsis

Chennai's political landscape shifts as AIADMK clarifies its seat-sharing arrangement with NDA allies, while BJP claims a significant share. The intricate negotiations continue as both alliances grapple with constituency demands ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Key Takeaways

AIADMK has confirmed its seat-sharing arrangement with NDA allies.

BJP will contest 27 seats, PMK 18, and AMMK 11.

Uncertainty remains around AIADMK's own seat allocation.

DMK is finalizing its own alliances and seat-sharing agreements.

Negotiations are complex, with competing demands from both alliances.

Chennai, March 23 (NationPress) On Monday, the AIADMK officially disclosed its seat-sharing plan with key partners for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, clarifying weeks of discussions within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

However, the party did not specify the number of constituencies it aims to contest, leaving an essential part of the electoral strategy unanswered.

The announcement was made shortly after Union Minister and BJP’s Tamil Nadu election head, Piyush Goyal, arrived in Chennai to oversee the concluding discussions.

During a press conference, alliance leaders indicated that the BJP will field candidates in 27 seats, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in 18, and the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), headed by T.T.V. Dhinakaran, in 11 seats.

Despite this progress, uncertainty persists regarding the AIADMK’s allocation, which is anticipated to encompass the majority of the remaining seats.

Party insiders noted that ongoing discussions are still taking place, with leaders striving to balance the inclusion of allies while safeguarding vital strongholds.

Recent negotiations faced obstacles, especially concerning the BJP’s initial request for over 50 seats, including prominent constituencies in Chennai, such as T Nagar.

Nonetheless, the AIADMK asserted that conceding beyond a limited number of seats would jeopardize its core electoral base.

This impasse led AIADMK General Secretary, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, to visit New Delhi last week for discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Senior leaders from allied parties, including PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss and AMMK head T.T.V. Dhinakaran, also participated in parallel negotiations to resolve the discrepancies.

Meanwhile, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is actively progressing with its alliance-building initiatives. The party has already established seat-sharing agreements with Congress, assigning 28 constituencies, and with CPI, which has received 5 seats.

Negotiations continue with other partners, including CPM and DMDK, as the Secular Progressive Alliance aims to present a consolidated front.

However, sources suggest that Congress has proposed a list of 39 preferred constituencies, many of which are located in Chennai, creating new challenges for DMK leadership.

The conflicting demands within both alliances highlight the intricate negotiations that are shaping the electoral landscape leading up to the elections.

Point of View

The AIADMK's recent seat-sharing announcement with NDA allies marks a significant development. However, uncertainty around its own constituency allocation highlights the ongoing complexities within the alliance, setting the stage for a competitive electoral battle.

NationPress

10 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How many seats will the BJP contest in Tamil Nadu?

The BJP will contest 27 seats in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

What challenges does AIADMK face in seat allocation?

AIADMK faces challenges in balancing the needs of its allies while retaining key constituencies.

What is the status of DMK's seat-sharing agreements?

DMK has finalized seat-sharing with Congress for 28 constituencies and with CPI for 5 seats.

Who leads the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam?

The Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) is led by T.T.V. Dhinakaran.

What are the ongoing negotiations for the Secular Progressive Alliance?