The DMK is reportedly under mounting pressure from its alliance partners, with multiple parties demanding a higher share of Assembly seats ahead of the upcoming elections. Ongoing negotiations have yet to yield a single finalized seat-sharing agreement, sources indicated.
Alliance talks between the DMK and its partners have been underway since 22 February 2026, but progress has been slow. The primary hurdle is said to be the steep seat demands from constituent parties.
The Congress, a key ally, has sought 38 Assembly constituencies – roughly one per district. However, the DMK, which allotted 25 seats to Congress in the previous election, is reportedly willing to offer only 22 this time. The gap has stalled a formal agreement between the two parties.
Discussions with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) have also hit a roadblock. Though IUML was allotted three seats in the last election and lost all of them, the party is now seeking five seats. The DMK leadership has reportedly offered only two, leading to a pause in talks.
Similarly, the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) has asked for five seats but has been offered only two. Sources said the DMK has also insisted that MMK candidates contest under the party’s Rising Sun symbol.
The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), considered a major ally, has demanded 12 seats – double the six it received last time. Party leaders argue that after winning two Lok Sabha seats and securing recognition as a state party, it deserves a larger share. However, sources indicate that formal seat-sharing talks with VCK have not yet begun.
The Communist parties are also reportedly pushing for double-digit allocations. In the previous Assembly election, both the Communists and VCK were allotted six seats each.
The situation has been further complicated by the entry of two new allies – Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) and Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). The DMK leadership had initially planned to accommodate them by asking existing partners to give up one seat each, but resistance from allies has stalled that plan.
Political friction has also surfaced between the DMK and Congress at the second-rung leadership level. Although Chief Minister MK Stalin has ruled out any power-sharing arrangement in government, Congress leaders are said to be continuing to press the demand.
Recent remarks suggesting that the Congress could explore an alliance with TVK have reportedly triggered unease within DMK ranks. Some party insiders believe that if Congress were to exit the alliance, the DMK could redistribute the more than 20 seats earmarked for it among other allies and new entrants.
The absence of formal talks between the DMK and Congress so far may reflect expectations that the Congress could reconsider its position.
With competing demands from allies continuing to mount, the key question now is how the DMK leadership will navigate the increasingly complex seat-sharing negotiations in the days ahead.
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