With just seven days left for the start of nomination filing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election, seat-sharing talks in both the DMK and AIADMK alliances are yet to be fully finalised. While the overall number of seats for partners is said to be broadly decided, the specific constituencies—especially in Chennai—remain unresolved.
In the DMK-led alliance, competition for Chennai constituencies has intensified. The Congress, VCK and CPI(M) are reportedly insisting on getting seats in the capital. Congress, which contested Velachery last time, is said to be seeking T. Nagar and one constituency in North Chennai this time.
CPI(M) is said to be asking for either Perambur or Maduravoyal, while the VCK is seeking a seat in North Chennai. The push from multiple partners has created a crowded contest for a limited set of constituencies in the city.
In contrast, the AIADMK-led alliance is facing the opposite situation, with partners reportedly reluctant to contest in Chennai. The BJP is said to be pressing for T. Nagar or Velachery—both under the Chennai South Lok Sabha segment—while showing less interest in other city seats.
Leaders of PMK, AMMK and TMC are reported to have clearly conveyed that they do not want Chennai constituencies, with smaller parties also preferring districts where they believe they have stronger influence. Against this backdrop, the AIADMK leadership is said to be considering how to field candidates capable of mounting a strong challenge to the DMK in Chennai.
