Chennai: Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan said seat-sharing in the DMK-led alliance should be decided in proportion to his party’s strength and contribution, following talks with the DMK.
Speaking to reporters, he said the 2026 Assembly election should not be seen as a routine contest and stressed the need to prevent right-wing forces from gaining ground. He added that VCK shared its views with a sense of responsibility and as a rightful partner in the secular, progressive alliance.
Thirumavalavan said VCK was not a party that “bargains” and that its focus was on ensuring the alliance’s victory, which he described as a win for Tamil Nadu, its people and social justice politics. He said the discussions were held in a calm and smooth manner, without going into specific constituencies.
He said VCK has conveyed the number of seats it is seeking and that details would be announced after confirmation. He added that the party has not asked for any Rajya Sabha seat, but has sought three seats in Puducherry, including one general constituency, and was told the matter would be discussed with the leadership.
He also said the BJP’s approach would not work in Tamil Nadu and asserted that there was no place for communal or caste-based politics in the state. On the alliance, he said “power-sharing” in seat talks refers to the number of constituencies and not a demand for cabinet positions, and added that even if there are delays in seat-sharing, the Congress would remain in the DMK alliance and the coalition would face the election in a united manner.
