Congress Seeks Increased Assembly Seats After Meeting with DMK's Stalin
Synopsis
In a recent meeting following a significant discussion in Chennai, Congress has formally requested more Assembly seats than in 2021. This reflects their strategy to strengthen their position in the DMK-led alliance ahead of the upcoming elections.
Key Takeaways
Congress seeks more seats than in 2021.
Meeting between K.C.
Stalin was significant.
Discussions included seat-sharing arrangements .
Immediate focus is on constituency-sharing .
Parties are gearing up for upcoming elections .
Chennai, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Congress party has officially requested a greater allocation of Assembly seats than it received in 2021, as stated by AICC Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar on Monday following a meeting between senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal and DMK President and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai.
Chodankar referred to the discussions as both preliminary and essential, confirming that topics such as seat-sharing agreements, including a Rajya Sabha seat and constituency-sharing for the forthcoming Assembly elections, as well as coordination for local body elections, were part of the dialogue between Venugopal and Stalin.
“The Congress has requested more seats compared to our prior allocation in the last Assembly election,” Chodankar informed reporters, emphasizing the party's goal to fortify its standing within the DMK-led coalition.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, the Congress contested 25 seats as a member of the alliance.
Earlier that day, Chodankar, alongside Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai, paid a visit to DMK Deputy General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi at her residence.
He described this meeting as a “courtesy call,” adding that structured discussions between alliance partners would occur separately through designated committees.
When asked if power-sharing arrangements were part of the conversation, Chodankar indicated that constituency-sharing is the immediate focus.
“Our priority is to finalize seat-sharing agreements first. Other negotiations can follow,” he remarked, suggesting that detailed discussions have yet to commence.
The meeting between Venugopal and Stalin comes amid increased political activity in Tamil Nadu, as parties gear up for upcoming Assembly elections and other polls.
Congress sources indicated that the party leadership is eager to finalize terms well ahead of time to prevent last-minute disagreements.
Chodankar stated that the Congress is currently waiting for confirmation from the DMK leadership regarding the date for a formal meeting between the alliance negotiation committees.
Once the meeting is scheduled, both parties are expected to engage in thorough discussions to resolve differences and establish a mutually agreeable seat-sharing strategy.
aal/rad
Point of View
This move could reshape the alliances and strategies leading up to the next elections.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Congress demand regarding Assembly seats?
The Congress has formally requested more Assembly seats than it was allocated in the 2021 elections.
Who met with DMK President M.K. Stalin?
Senior Congress leader K.C. Venugopal met with DMK President M.K. Stalin.
What was discussed in the meeting between Venugopal and Stalin?
They discussed seat-sharing arrangements, including allocations for the Rajya Sabha and upcoming elections.
What are the immediate priorities for Congress?
The immediate priority for Congress is to finalize seat-sharing discussions.
What is the significance of these discussions?
These discussions reflect Congress's strategy to strengthen its positioning within the DMK-led alliance ahead of the elections.
