DMK Firm on 25-28 Seats: Congress Told to Finalise Deal by March 3

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has reportedly set a March 3 deadline for the Indian National Congress to take a final call on seat-sharing arrangements, as negotiations between the two allies remain deadlocked.

According to sources, the DMK is firm on offering 25 to 28 Assembly seats to the Congress, along with one Rajya Sabha seat. However, the Congress leadership is said to be holding out for no fewer than 33 or 34 seats, citing its performance and expectations within the alliance framework.

The urgency stems from the upcoming biennial Rajya Sabha elections, with nominations set to close on March 5. DMK leaders have indicated that they cannot delay finalising candidates indefinitely without clarity from the Congress.

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On Sunday night, the Congress high command reportedly held telephonic consultations with its MLAs in Tamil Nadu to gauge their views on the alliance and the ongoing negotiations. While most legislators were said to favour continuing the partnership with the DMK, they also stressed the need to secure a higher number of seats compared to previous arrangements.

Speculation briefly intensified on Chief Minister M. K. Stalin’s birthday when senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called to extend greetings. However, sources clarified that the conversation did not include discussions on seat-sharing, despite public interest surrounding the timing of the call.

Speaking on the matter, DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi said the party has already conveyed its position and is awaiting a formal response. He noted that the party must proceed with announcing its Rajya Sabha nominees and cannot remain in uncertainty.

Senior Congress leaders in New Delhi, meanwhile, maintained that the party has not accepted the DMK’s proposal and is awaiting a revised offer. One leader indicated that it would be difficult for the congress to move forward without securing at least 33 seats.

Within the DMK, some leaders have suggested that contingency planning is already underway. The party has strengthened ties with the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and brought former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam into its fold, moves seen as strategic efforts to offset potential electoral losses in areas where Congress influence may fluctuate.

Meanwhile, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has reportedly demanded 12 seats in its first round of seat-sharing talks with the DMK, double the number it contested in 2021. VCK chief Thol. Thirumavalavan stated that his party would not press for a share in power, emphasising that the secular alliance was formed to prevent “communal forces” from gaining ground in the state.

With the deadline looming and nomination dates approaching, the focus now shifts to whether the Congress will accept the DMK’s offer or push the negotiations into further uncertainty.

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