Poonam Sharma
As Tamil Nadu steadily moves closer to the next Assembly elections, political activity within the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)–led alliance has entered a decisive phase. Seat-sharing negotiations among alliance partners have intensified, reflecting both the confidence of incumbency and the complexities of managing a broad coalition with diverse political ambitions.
The DMK, which returned to power in 2021 under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, heads a multi-party alliance that includes the Indian National Congress, Left parties such as the CPI and CPI(M), the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and several smaller regional outfits. While the alliance has so far projected unity, seat-sharing discussions are revealing underlying tensions, as each partner seeks to maximize its political space ahead of the polls.
Balancing Dominance and Coalition Compulsions
As the principal party in the alliance, the DMK enjoys a dominant position, both electorally and organizationally. Its strong grassroots network, governance record, and control of the state machinery give it significant leverage in negotiations. However, coalition politics in Tamil Nadu has historically required careful balancing. Allies may not match the DMK’s strength, but they play a crucial role in consolidating vote banks across regions and communities.
The Congress, traditionally the second-largest partner, is keen to retain or slightly improve its current seat share. Having won a modest number of constituencies in the last Assembly election, the party argues that its national presence and minority outreach remain vital to the alliance’s broader appeal. Congress leaders have publicly emphasized unity, but internally, there is pressure to secure constituencies where the party believes it has a realistic chance of winning.
Left Parties and Identity-Based Allies
The Left parties, CPI and CPI(M), are also pushing for a respectable number of seats. Though their electoral footprint has shrunk over the years, they continue to wield influence in select pockets and among organized labor and intellectual circles. For the DMK, accommodating the Left is as much about ideological alignment as it is about electoral arithmetic.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), led by Thol. Thirumavalavan, occupies a particularly sensitive position. Representing Dalit political assertion, the VCK has emerged as an important voice in Tamil Nadu’s social justice discourse. The party is reportedly seeking a larger share of seats, arguing that its support base has expanded and that it plays a key role in mobilizing marginalized communities. How the DMK responds to these demands will be closely watched, as it could have broader implications for caste and social representation within the alliance.
Regional Calculations and Winnability Factor
One of the major themes shaping the negotiations is “winnability.” The DMK leadership is believed to be emphasizing candidate viability, local influence, and past performance over purely symbolic allocations. This approach, while pragmatic, has caused some unease among smaller allies, who fear being sidelined in favor of DMK candidates even in constituencies they have traditionally contested.
At the same time, the DMK is keen to avoid the perception of arrogance or over-centralization. Party strategists are aware that disgruntled allies, even if they do not leave the alliance, could impact campaign enthusiasm at the grassroots level. As a result, talks are reportedly focusing on region-specific adjustments, swapping of constituencies, and assurances of support in future elections, including parliamentary polls.
Opposition Pressure and Strategic Urgency
The urgency of concluding seat-sharing talks is also driven by the broader political context. The AIADMK-led opposition, despite internal challenges, is attempting to regroup and present itself as a credible alternative. The BJP, though still a minor player electorally in Tamil Nadu, is aggressively expanding its organizational presence and narrative outreach.
For the DMK, a smooth and timely seat-sharing agreement is crucial to project stability and preparedness. Prolonged negotiations or public disagreements could hand the opposition an opportunity to question the alliance’s cohesion and governance focus.
Leadership Style and Alliance Management
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s leadership style will be central to how these talks conclude. Known for his consultative approach and emphasis on consensus, Stalin has so far managed to keep alliance partners largely on board. Senior DMK leaders have been tasked with holding one-on-one discussions with allies, signaling the party’s intent to resolve differences quietly rather than through public confrontation.
Political observers note that Stalin’s challenge is not merely to distribute seats, but to manage expectations. In an alliance where ambitions often exceed electoral realities, compromise becomes inevitable. The success of the negotiations will depend on whether partners feel politically respected, even if they do not get everything they want.
Looking Ahead
As seat-sharing talks intensify, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial. While hard bargaining is a natural part of coalition politics, the DMK-led alliance is likely to arrive at a formula that prioritizes collective victory over individual gains. Past experience suggests that once agreements are finalized, alliance partners will fall in line and campaign cohesively.
Ultimately, the seat-sharing exercise is more than a numbers game. It is a test of the DMK’s ability to manage power, partners, and perceptions simultaneously. How effectively it navigates this phase could play a decisive role in shaping the political landscape of Tamil Nadu in the run-up to the elections.
