Chennai, March 22 (NationPress) With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is hastily finalizing its seat allocation agreements, as the nomination filing date draws near. The nomination period commences on March 30 and concludes on April 6. Ongoing backchannel negotiations have escalated into the final stages, with critical resolutions anticipated shortly.

Insiders from the alliance reveal that the AIADMK is determined to claim the majority of the seats, aiming to independently secure a governing majority.

This strategic approach is intended to solidify the party's core voter base while strategically involving allies in designated constituencies. The foundation for this arrangement was reportedly established during AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s recent trip to New Delhi, where discussions with senior BJP officials were held. These talks are believed to have reduced differences and clarified the seat distribution among alliance members.

Party sources indicate that the AIADMK is expected to contest approximately 160 to 170 seats out of the total 234 constituencies. By maintaining a substantial majority of seats, the party aims to surpass the halfway mark of 118 seats independently, thus forming the government without excessive reliance on allies.

As per the emerging seat-sharing agreement, the BJP is projected to contest around 30 constituencies, an increase from the 20 seats it contested in the 2021 Assembly elections.

The PMK, under the leadership of Anbumani Ramadoss, is likely to receive around 17 seats. The AMMK, led by T.T.V. Dhinakaran, which recently joined the alliance, may be allocated roughly nine seats. The Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), headed by former Union Minister G.K. Vasan, is expected to receive three seats.

Additionally, smaller alliance partners may contest using either the AIADMK’s ‘two leaves’ symbol or the BJP’s ‘lotus’ symbol, depending on the final agreement.

Senior BJP officials stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is actively managing the negotiations to ensure a smooth consensus among allies.

Following discussions with key stakeholders in New Delhi, the emphasis has now shifted to Chennai, where the final details of the alliance are expected to be finalized.

The outcomes of the 2021 Assembly elections remain a crucial reference point for the alliance’s current strategy. Although the AIADMK emerged as the main opposition, its diminished tally has prompted a more assertive seat-sharing strategy this time.

In the meantime, changes within the PMK and the inclusion of new entrants like the AMMK have introduced fresh dynamics, making the upcoming electoral battle increasingly intricate and observed.