DMK and CPI Finalize Seat-Sharing Deal Ahead of TN Elections
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Chennai, March 18 (NationPress) On Wednesday, the DMK concluded its seat-sharing pact with the CPI, designating five Assembly constituencies to its ally, which is one seat fewer than the six it contested in the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This agreement was officially signed in the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and CPI State Secretary Veerapandyan, representing a crucial advancement in solidifying the DMK-led coalition ahead of the approaching Assembly elections.
With the Election Commission revealing the election timeline, political activities in Tamil Nadu have surged, as key parties rush to finalize their alliance discussions.
The DMK, at the helm of a broad coalition, has conducted several rounds of talks with its partners to reach an equitable distribution of seats.
According to sources, the CPI originally advocated for a higher seat allocation compared to the last election. However, after three rounds of discussions, the party accepted a diminished share due to the overarching dynamics of the alliance and the necessity to accommodate various partners.
After the agreement was finalized, CPI leaders highlighted that the main goal of the alliance is to thwart the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. They acknowledged that while the decrease in seats might dishearten some party members, the broader political aim of creating a united secular front remains crucial.
“Our priority is to defeat the BJP-led coalition and protect democratic values. The CPI has consistently supported the populace, addressing workers' and marginalized individuals' issues, and that commitment will persist,” stated a senior CPI official.
The DMK leadership is believed to have encouraged its allies to accept fewer seats, considering the expanding coalition. The CPI’s agreement to five seats is perceived as a tactical compromise to preserve the unity of the alliance.
Meanwhile, discussions with the CPI(M) are still ongoing.
The CPI(M) has also reportedly requested more seats than it received in 2021, and negotiations are expected to carry on.
Within the evolving alliance framework, the Congress party is anticipated to contest 28 seats, while additional allies, including the MDMK, IUML, and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, are likely to receive smaller share allocations.
With the CPI arrangement finalized, the DMK is nearing the completion of its seat-sharing processes, paving the way for a coordinated campaign in the 2026 Assembly elections.