Chennai: Efforts for an electoral alliance between the DMK and DMDK have intensified. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has found a key ally in the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) in the early preparations for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
The two parties are in talks regarding seat-sharing and a long-term political alliance. The DMK, which is looking to strengthen its electoral calculations well before the elections, has reportedly offered the DMDK seven assembly seats, as well as a Rajya Sabha seat that is due to fall vacant in April. This offer is seen as part of the ruling party’s larger strategy to strengthen its alliance base and retain a larger number of seats for itself.
However, the DMDK has reportedly demanded more seats. The party has demanded up to 14 assembly seats and has kept its options open by holding parallel talks with the NDA, creating an atmosphere of suspense in the negotiations. Despite this, DMK leaders are hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon.
The ruling party wants to finalize the alliance arrangements quickly so that it can proceed with its organizational preparations. It plans to complete the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral lists before formally finalizing the seat-sharing arrangements with its allies.
Party sources said the DMK intends to contest at least 170 of the 234 assembly seats, slightly less than the 173 it contested in the 2021 elections. This reflects its confidence in retaining its current position. While negotiations with the DMDK remain a key focus, the DMK has also quietly considered other political options to expand its alliance.
These include O. Panneerselvam, a leader expelled from the AIADMK. Initial discussions focused on whether he might form a separate party or form a direct alliance with the DMK. However, internal assessments suggested that his ability to transfer votes might be limited, reducing the need for such an agreement. Nevertheless, the avenues for dialogue remain open. With several discussions underway, the DMK leadership appears focused on building a practical and numerically strong alliance rather than symbolic partnerships. The coming days are expected to determine whether the DMDK will become a key pillar of the ruling front or pursue a separate political path.
