The DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu is facing a major hurdle in its seat-sharing negotiations ahead of the April 23 Assembly elections, after the Communist Party of India (CPI) agreed to contest five seats, breaking ranks with its Left ally, the CPI (M), which continues to demand a higher allocation.

The CPI’s decision to scale down its demand from six or more constituencies was formalised on Wednesday at Anna Arivalayam in the presence of Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin. CPI State secretary M. Veerapandian acknowledged that the reduced seat count could disappoint party cadres but said the move was guided by broader political considerations. “Our politics goes beyond the number of seats. At times, we may step beyond our own claims for the larger political objective of defeating the BJP. But we will never compromise on our ideological position,” he said.

However, CPI(M) leaders have refused to follow suit. Senior party officials reiterated that they remain firm in their demand for more than six seats and are awaiting a revised offer from the DMK. “We have not accepted five seats. The DMK must take a call and initiate the next round of talks,” a CPI(M) leader stated, highlighting the growing rift within the Left bloc.

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Sources indicate that the CPI and CPI(M) had initially coordinated their negotiation strategy, making the CPI’s unilateral move a point of contention. The ongoing stalemate has also delayed the DMK’s broader alliance-building efforts, with discussions involving other partners such as the VCK, DMDK, and Kamal Haasan’s MNM yet to progress beyond initial rounds.

Among these allies, the VCK remains strategically significant for the DMK, particularly in the wake of controversies involving Dalit issues, including the Vengaivayal water contamination case and the alleged custodial death of a Dalit youth. Political observers note that VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan, a prominent Dalit voice, could play a key role in countering opposition narratives and consolidating support among marginalized communities.

With the election schedule now announced, the DMK faces mounting pressure to resolve internal differences and finalise its alliance framework quickly. Analysts say the outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence the party’s campaign strategy and its prospects in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly polls.

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