DMK and Congress Initiate Seat-Sharing Talks for 2024 Tamil Nadu Elections

Key Takeaways

DMK and Congress are beginning formal seat-sharing negotiations.

The discussions are crucial for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Congress is aiming for over 35 seats in the negotiations.

Challenges include disagreements over seat allocation.

Both parties are under pressure to maintain their alliance.

Chennai, Feb 28 (NationPress) After a period of uncertainty regarding their partnership, the DMK and Congress are set to officially commence seat-sharing discussions on Saturday for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April–May.

The initial round of talks is planned for 10:30 AM at the DMK's main office, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai.

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President, K. Selva Perunthagai, confirmed that a four-member delegation will represent the party, consisting of himself, AICC incharge Girish Chodankar, co-incharge Nivedith Alva, and Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Rajesh Kumar.

The DMK team will be headed by party Treasurer T.R. Baalu and will include a seven-member committee appointed by Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin.

The significance of these discussions is heightened by the increasing speculation surrounding the Congress potentially seeking alternative alliances, such as informal dialogues with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK), should the negotiations with the DMK not meet their expectations.

The talks come shortly after Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal met with Chief Minister Stalin to outline the party's aspirations within the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).

Insider sources reveal that the Congress is aiming for over 35 Assembly seats along with two Rajya Sabha positions.

However, informal talks between Girish Chodankar and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi reportedly encountered hurdles due to disagreements over seat allocation.

According to informed sources, the DMK has proposed approximately 25 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha position, with a maximum potential increase to 27 or 28 seats.

“We need to accommodate multiple allies and possible new partners. Meeting a demand of over 35 seats will be challenging,” stated a senior leader familiar with the discussions.

Although the Congress appears to have withdrawn its previous demands for a share in the government, it continues to advocate for a greater number of seats.

The party is also seeking increased representation in local bodies, municipal corporations, temple boards, and welfare boards.

DMK leaders have indicated that these requests will be evaluated at an appropriate time. As formal negotiations commence, both parties are expected to strive to maintain their enduring alliance while navigating internal pressures and coalition dynamics ahead of the crucial elections.

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Point of View

The unfolding seat-sharing negotiations between DMK and Congress are critical, particularly in a politically active state like Tamil Nadu. The outcomes of these discussions will not only define their alliance but also set the stage for the upcoming elections, reflecting broader national trends in coalition politics.

NationPress

9 May 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the DMK and Congress negotiations?

The DMK and Congress are negotiating seat-sharing arrangements for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Who is leading the discussions for both parties?

The DMK delegation is led by Treasurer T.R. Baalu, while the Congress team is headed by K. Selva Perunthagai.

What are the Congress's seat demands?

The Congress is reportedly seeking over 35 Assembly seats along with two Rajya Sabha positions.

What challenges are the parties facing?

The main challenge is the disagreement over the number of seats to be allocated, with the DMK offering around 25 seats.

What happens if negotiations fail?