Tension has surfaced within the DMK-led secular progressive alliance after the DMK leadership allotted the Congress three more Assembly constituencies than in 2021, along with a Rajya Sabha seat. The move has prompted alliance partners, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Communist parties, to press for increased seat shares.
According to the report, DMK has also finalised an understanding with the MDMK for four constituencies, with the party expected to contest in three of them under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol. Meanwhile, the newly inducted DMDK has been given a Rajya Sabha position, and is said to be in line for a significant number of constituencies.
With new allocations, DMK is reportedly considering reducing the number of seats offered to long-time partners such as the VCK and the two Communist parties. However, VCK leaders are said to be pushing for a double-digit tally, arguing that the party has grown since the last election and that there is pressure to field new faces and more women candidates.
VCK functionaries cited in the report said DMK was willing to raise VCK’s share from six seats in 2021 to seven this time, but insisted the party should be given at least 10 seats, especially since it has not been offered a Rajya Sabha berth. They warned that if fewer than 10 seats are allotted, the party could consider exiting the alliance and even boycotting the election.
The CPI(M) has also sought more seats. State secretary Shanmugam said the party contested six seats in 2021 and now wants to contest in double digits, questioning how Congress could receive additional seats and a Rajya Sabha berth while long-standing allies are asked to accept cuts. He said the party would decide its next steps after discussions in the state committee if its seat share is reduced.
