Tamil Nadu Election: DMK Offers 25-28 Seats to Congress, Talks Continue

The DMK has offered 25 to 28 seats to the Congress for the Tamil Nadu elections. This is less than the 35 to 41 seats the Congress is asking for.
By Newsroom | Politics, Tamil Nadu |

Recent discussions between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress signal progress in finalizing seat-sharing for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. However, ongoing negotiations reveal a gap between the parties' initial demands and offers, with the Congress also reportedly exploring alternative alliances.

Preliminary meetings between senior leaders of the DMK and the Congress have taken place, with formal seat-sharing negotiations commencing on February 28. The Congress has expressed a desire for a substantial number of Assembly seats and representation in the Rajya Sabha, while the DMK has presented a different proposal. Sources indicate that while alliance cohesion is emphasized, the Congress has temporarily set aside demands for formal power-sharing in the state cabinet. Simultaneously, there is speculation regarding the Congress's engagement with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which the Congress has publicly denied.

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DMK Congress seat-sharing talks gather pace amid TVK speculation - 1

Political Landscape and Alliance Dynamics

The Tamil Nadu political scene is preparing for elections, with alliance formations and seat-sharing arrangements being key focal points. The DMK leads a secular progressive alliance, and the Congress is a significant constituent.

  • DMK's Stance: The DMK, having formed its alliance framework, is now engaged in discussions with its partners. The party has reportedly indicated an offer of around 25 to 28 Assembly seats to the Congress. There are also suggestions that the DMK might be willing to share power at the local body level.

  • Congress's Demands: The Congress has put forward a demand for a larger share of Assembly seats, with figures ranging from 35 to 41 seats. Additionally, the party has sought two Rajya Sabha seats.

  • Power-Sharing: The Congress has reportedly shelved its immediate demand for formal power-sharing in the state cabinet. This decision appears to be a strategic move to facilitate alliance cohesion.

  • TVK Speculation: Reports suggest that the Congress has been in communication with actor Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). While the TVK has reportedly offered around 70 seats to the Congress, Congress leaders have denied holding formal alliance talks with TVK, describing such reports as speculation. This outreach is seen by some as a bargaining chip or a potential alternative if DMK-Congress talks falter.

Evidence of Negotiations and Disagreements

Multiple sources confirm ongoing discussions and highlight the differing positions of the two parties.

DMK Congress seat-sharing talks gather pace amid TVK speculation - 2

  • Meeting Cadence: Key meetings have occurred, including those involving DMK president MK Stalin, DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Congress general secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal, and Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai. Discussions have also taken place between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi, and between Girish Chodankar (AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu) and Kanimozhi.

  • Seat Allocation Figures:

  • Congress demands have been cited as 39 Assembly seats and two Rajya Sabha seats (Article 8), or more than 35 Assembly seats along with two Rajya Sabha berths (Article 3), or 41 seats (Article 5, 9), or 35 seats (Article 7).

  • DMK offers have been reported as around 25 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha berth, with a potential increase to 27 or 28 seats (Article 3), or keeping the number under 28 seats (Article 5), or an offer of 27 seats at best (Article 5). One Rajya Sabha seat has been reportedly promised and confirmed by the TNCC president (Article 6).

  • Stalemate and DMK's Position: Sources within the DMK suggest a reluctance to concede more than a few additional seats to the Congress. The DMK has also dismissed the Congress's argument that it should receive seats the DMK lost in previous elections. The DMK has cited the inclusion of more allies in its bloc as a reason for its inability to offer more seats (Article 10).

  • Congress Internal Dynamics: There appear to be differing views within the Congress's central leadership. While Rahul Gandhi is reportedly leaning towards prioritizing the party's growth in Tamil Nadu, Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi are believed to consider the alliance with the DMK essential for the party's national prospects (Article 11).

Delving into Specific Issues

Rajya Sabha Representation

The allocation of Rajya Sabha seats has been a point of discussion. The Congress has sought two seats, while reports indicate the DMK has promised one, a fact confirmed by the TNCC president. This confirmation came amidst filing nominations for six vacant Rajya Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu.

Power-Sharing Discussions

While the Congress initially pushed for formal power-sharing in the state government, this demand appears to have been temporarily set aside during seat-sharing talks. Sources suggest that the DMK has shown inclination towards sharing power at the local body level.

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DMK Congress seat-sharing talks gather pace amid TVK speculation - 3

The TVK Factor

The potential for an alliance with actor Vijay's TVK has added another layer to the negotiations.

  • Congress's Stance: Leaders like Girish Chodankar have denied holding alliance talks with TVK, stating that their discussions are exclusively with the DMK.

  • TVK's Offer: Reports indicate that TVK has proposed around 70 seats to the Congress.

  • Strategic Leverage: The reported outreach to TVK is viewed by some as a tactic to gain leverage in negotiations with the DMK or as a contingency plan.

Expert Perspectives and Analysis

Sources indicate that while alliance discussions are ongoing and generally cordial, the significant gap in seat-sharing demands has led to a protracted negotiation process. The DMK's position appears firm on its offer, while the Congress's internal divergence on prioritizing state growth versus national alliance strength could influence their final stance. The involvement of senior leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi suggests the high command is actively managing these delicate negotiations.

DMK Congress seat-sharing talks gather pace amid TVK speculation - 4

Conclusion and Forward Outlook

The DMK and Congress have commenced formal seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with initial discussions indicating a difference in expectations regarding the number of Assembly seats and Rajya Sabha berths. The Congress has demanded more seats than the DMK has initially offered, leading to a potential stalemate.

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  • Key Demands: Congress seeks approximately 35-41 Assembly seats and 2 Rajya Sabha seats.

  • DMK Offers: The DMK has proposed around 25-28 Assembly seats and 1 Rajya Sabha seat.

  • Power-Sharing: Formal power-sharing demands by the Congress have been postponed.

  • TVK Alternative: Speculation about Congress exploring an alliance with TVK persists, despite official denials.

The resolution of these seat-sharing talks will be critical in defining the final shape of the DMK-led alliance. The differing perspectives within the Congress high command on state-level growth versus national alliance strategy will likely play a role in the outcome. Further rounds of discussions are anticipated to bridge the gap between the parties' demands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did DMK and Congress start seat-sharing talks for the Tamil Nadu elections?
DMK and Congress began formal seat-sharing talks for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on February 28. Senior leaders from both parties have met to discuss the allocation of seats.
Q: How many Assembly seats did DMK offer to Congress for the Tamil Nadu elections?
The DMK has offered the Congress around 25 to 28 Assembly seats for the upcoming Tamil Nadu elections. This offer is lower than what the Congress has asked for.
Q: How many Assembly seats does Congress want from DMK for the Tamil Nadu elections?
The Congress party is asking for a larger share of seats, with demands ranging from 35 to 41 Assembly seats. They have also asked for two Rajya Sabha seats.
Q: Did Congress drop its demand for power-sharing in the Tamil Nadu government?
Yes, the Congress has temporarily set aside its demand for formal power-sharing in the state cabinet. This move is seen as a way to help the alliance stay together during seat-sharing talks.
Q: Is Congress talking to actor Vijay's TVK party about an alliance for the Tamil Nadu elections?
There are reports that Congress has spoken with actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). However, Congress leaders have denied holding formal alliance talks with TVK, calling the reports speculation.
Q: What is the main disagreement between DMK and Congress in seat sharing for Tamil Nadu elections?
The main disagreement is the number of Assembly seats. Congress wants 35-41 seats, while DMK has offered only 25-28 seats. There is also a difference regarding Rajya Sabha seats, with Congress wanting two and DMK offering one.