DMK Alliance's Seat-Sharing Deal Expected After Tiruchy Meeting
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Key Takeaways
Chennai, March 8 (NationPress) The final arrangement for seat-sharing within the DMK-led coalition for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is anticipated to be concluded following an essential gathering of alliance leaders in Tiruchy, set to occur shortly. This comes as negotiations between the ruling DMK and its allies remain unresolved.
According to DMK insiders, while the Congress party has successfully claimed 28 seats in the coalition, conversations with other partners are still in progress, hindered by rigorous negotiations regarding the distribution of constituencies.
Several coalition partners are reportedly seeking direct communication with Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin to address the roadblocks in discussions.
Sources within the party indicate that some leaders are attempting to circumvent the DMK's official seat-sharing committee, aiming for a direct meeting with CM Stalin to advocate for their requests. This tactic mirrors the earlier approach taken by Congress leaders during their negotiations with DMK.
Key factions of the DMK-led alliance—including the CPI, CPI(M), MDMK, VCK, DMDK, and actor Kamal Haasan’s MNM—have yet to reach a consensus with the DMK on the allocation of seats.
Reports suggest that the Left parties are demanding allocations in double digits, citing their organizational strength and electoral presence in various areas. However, the DMK's leadership appears willing to offer just around ten seats collectively to the CPI and CPI(M).
Likewise, the DMDK and VCK are advocating for double-digit allocations, but political analysts predict they may ultimately settle for approximately eight and seven seats, respectively, as talks progress.
Conversations with the MDMK and MNM have also faced challenges, not only concerning the number of seats but also regarding the election symbol.
The DMK has proposed that both parties contest under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol, a suggestion that is reportedly met with reluctance from both parties.
Despite existing discrepancies, DMK sources remain optimistic that alliance partners will reach a consensus as the Tiruchy meeting draws near, bringing leaders together to finalize the seat-sharing strategy.