Chennai, Jan 24 (NationPress) With just a little over two months remaining until the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the ruling DMK has yet to solidify its electoral alliance, leading to rampant political speculation as the party maintains a tight grip on its strategies.

Once the Election Commission reveals the election schedule — anticipated by the end of next month — the nomination phase will commence almost immediately.

In the interim, political factions are feeling the pressure to finalize alliances, finalize seat-sharing agreements, and announce their candidates.

This election is predicted to feature a four-way contest.

On one front is the DMK-led coalition, while the Opposition AIADMK is spearheading another alliance. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan’s MNM has partnered with the DMK this election, bolstering the ruling party’s coalition.

Meanwhile, the BJP continues its partnership with the AIADMK, alongside other parties such as the PMK, Tamil Maanila Congress, New Justice Party, Democratic Party of India, and Perunthalaivar Makkal Katchi.

Complicating matters, Seeman’s Naam Tamilar Katchi will be running independently.

Despite contesting Assembly elections three times since 2006, the DMK — now gearing up for its fourth consecutive election — has not yet finalized its alliance strategy.

Much of the delay is attributed to ongoing negotiations with DMDK. Political insiders suggest that the DMDK initially sought 30 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat from both the DMK and AIADMK, along with significant financial backing for campaign costs — demands that reportedly surprised both major Dravidian parties.

Both the DMK and AIADMK later took a firm stance, highlighting that the DMDK’s vote share, which was once around 10.5%, has now plummeted below 1%, and several senior leaders have departed the party.

“Given these circumstances, allocating a significant number of seats is not practical,” leaders from both parties have reportedly communicated.

Consequently, DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth appeared to temper expectations, suggesting a double-digit figure before settling discussions around six to eight seats, with a Rajya Sabha position to be negotiated later.

During a party meeting in Cuddalore, she stated that the alliance decision is made but questioned the necessity of an announcement when even the major parties have not disclosed their final arrangements.

Political analysts believe the DMK is intentionally postponing the announcement, potentially waiting to determine if a fissure in the Congress-led coalition could enhance its negotiating leverage.

As the election countdown progresses, this ongoing uncertainty is becoming one of the most scrutinized political narratives in Tamil Nadu.

aal/rad