Congress Appoints Panel to Negotiate 2026 Assembly Seats With DMK, Reaffirms INDIA Bloc Unity

The Indian National Congress has appointed a five-member panel to initiate seat-sharing negotiations with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signaling a commitment to sustaining their alliance within the broader INDIA bloc. The decision, announced by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, comes at a time of speculation about potential shifts in political alignments in the southern state.

Led by Girish Chodankar, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in charge of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the panel includes Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) President K. Selvaperunthagai and legislature party leader S. Rajeshkumar, along with two other senior members whose roles emphasize coordination and strategy formulation. This move aims to streamline discussions on electoral constituencies, ensuring a cohesive front against opposition parties in the 234-seat assembly.

The formation of the committee underscores the Congress's proactive approach to alliance management, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the party has historically relied on partnerships to bolster its regional presence. The DMK, as the dominant force in the state's ruling coalition, holds significant leverage in seat allocations, and these talks are expected to cover not only the number of seats but also candidate selections and campaign strategies. Chodankar, with his experience in organizational matters, is tasked with spearheading the initial dialogues, while Selvaperunthagai and Rajeshkumar bring local insights to address constituency-specific dynamics. The panel's mandate is to report back with recommendations, potentially concluding preliminary agreements before the official election notification in early 2026.

Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram welcomed the development in a post on X, describing it as a step that would "strengthen the unity of the INDIA bloc" and dispel circulating rumors about discord between the Congress and DMK. His endorsement highlights the internal consensus within the party leadership on prioritizing coalition stability. Chidambaram's comments also reflect broader concerns over recent events, including a condolence call from Rahul Gandhi to actor-turned-politician Vijay following a tragic stampede at a rally for Vijay's Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which had fueled speculation of a possible Congress pivot toward newer alliances. However, the panel's creation reaffirms the established partnership's priority.

Also Read: Labour Reforms or Retrenchment Risk? Congress Flags Longer Hours, Higher Approval Ceiling

This announcement occurs against the backdrop of the Congress-DMK alliance's successful collaboration in the 2021 Tamil Nadu elections, where the coalition secured a resounding victory, and their joint efforts in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls that contributed to the opposition's national resurgence. As Tamil Nadu's political landscape evolves with emerging players like TVK, the seat-sharing talks represent a critical juncture for the INDIA bloc to consolidate its position ahead of 2026.

With the state assembly's term set to conclude in May 2026, timely resolutions could enhance voter outreach and counter challenges from the AIADMK-BJP front, ultimately shaping the electoral battle in one of India's most dynamic political arenas.

Also Read: PM Modi Calls for Unified Global Action on Fentanyl and Terror Financing at G20