K. Selvaperunthagai, TNCC chief, spearheaded Congress’s four-member team, which included key figures like AICC’s Girish Chodankar, Nivedita Alva, and CLP leader Rajesh Kumar. DMK countered with treasurer T.R. Balu leading a seven-person panel handpicked by CM M.K. Stalin.

The timing couldn’t be more critical. Political whispers suggest Congress is weighing options like ties with Vijay’s TVK if DMK doesn’t budge. Insiders say Congress wants 35+ assembly seats and two Rajya Sabha positions, clashing with DMK’s counter of 25 assembly seats and one upper house slot—possibly up to 28.

‘We have to factor in other allies and potential newcomers; 35-plus is tough,’ confided a veteran party insider. While Congress has shelved demands for government roles, it’s doubling down on seats and spots in municipal bodies, temple administrations, and welfare panels.

DMK insiders indicate flexibility on auxiliary demands. With elections looming, these negotiations represent a delicate dance: sustaining a historic alliance, managing cadre expectations, and crafting a winning formula. Success here could solidify the front against rivals; failure might trigger realignments in the state’s fractious politics.