The stage is set in Chennai for high-stakes seat allocation negotiations within Tamil Nadu’s DMK-led alliance, slated to begin Sunday. With the 2026 assembly polls on the horizon, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam is leaning towards replicating its 2021 playbook, even as partners clamor for more seats.
Back in 2021, DMK’s dominance was clear: it fielded candidates in 188 seats, leaving 25 for Congress and scraps for others. Fast forward to now, and heavyweights like DMDK joining the fray alongside Kamal Haasan’s MNM have scrambled the dynamics.
Sources indicate DMK will start by disclosing overall seat quotas per ally, followed by granular discussions on specific areas. ‘We’ve received wishlists from everyone; the process will be structured and phased,’ confided a top functionary.
Expect tougher bargaining this round. Left parties, capped at six seats previously, are gunning for teens. MDMK eyes potential cuts from its prior 15-seat run under DMK’s banner, courtesy of newcomers. DMDK might walk away with 6-8, per insiders.
MNM’s strategic pivot—from independent 2021 run to 2024 support that netted Haasan a Rajya Sabha spot—keeps it influential yet restrained. ‘I’m not in the negotiations myself, but our asks will come timely. Unity is key,’ Haasan affirmed.
For DMK chief MK Stalin, the challenge is balancing ally aspirations with core strength preservation. Amid demands for more representation and Rajya Sabha nods, maintaining cohesion without concessions that erode electoral edge will test alliance bonds. The coming weeks could redefine Tamil Nadu’s opposition to BJP-led NDA.