The Congress party has appointed veteran leader P Chidambaram to seal a crucial seat-sharing pact with Tamil Nadu’s dominant DMK ahead of the state elections. Hailing from high-level discussions in the national capital, this appointment reflects Congress’s push to expedite alliance formalities and focus on electoral strategy.
According to internal sources, Rahul Gandhi approved the plan, prompting president Mallikarjun Kharge to task Chidambaram with conclusive negotiations. Positioning the ex-finance minister at the heart of discussions with CM Stalin’s DMK, the move aims to iron out details efficiently.
Negotiators familiar with the matter say DMK proposed 27 assembly constituencies for Congress, but a bump to 28 appears likely to satisfy Congress’s asks. Additionally, the alliance formula could include a Rajya Sabha berth for Congress, balancing power dynamics within the coalition.
Weeks of intense bargaining followed Congress’s early push for a larger share, fueling rumors of discord in the key southern alliance. Current momentum, however, points to resolution, as both sides prioritize stability before the poll schedule announcement.
Historically pivotal in Tamil Nadu’s governance, this DMK-Congress tie-up faces tests from rivals like AIADMK and BJP. Chidambaram’s diplomatic skills could prove decisive in forging a robust deal, enhancing the secular front’s prospects in the Dravidian heartland.