The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) has formally demanded 12 assembly seats from its ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in advance of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections, while clearly stating that it does not intend to seek a share in government power despite being part of the alliance.

In preliminary seat‑sharing talks held at the DMK headquarters Anna Arivalayam on March 2, 2026, VCK leaders, led by party president Thol Thirumavalavan, presented their constituency demand for the upcoming polls. The figure of 12 seats represents a significant increase compared to the six constituencies the party contested in the 2021 state election.

Addressing reporters after the discussions, Thirumavalavan emphasised that the party’s goal was not power sharing in governance but rather securing adequate representation within the DMK‑led Secular Progressive Alliance to strengthen its electoral impact. He stated that “power‑sharing means sharing the seats,” and that it was “not the time to seek a share in governance” but to focus on defeating right‑wing forces in the state.

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DMK sources acknowledged VCK’s demands and indicated that while allocating 12 seats may be challenging, the party is considering an increase from the 2021 allocation as part of broader alliance negotiations. Talks between DMK and other allies, including Congress and smaller partners, are ongoing amid efforts to finalise the roster of seats before the assembly polls.

The VCK’s position highlights the complexities of seat‑sharing talks within the ruling coalition. Besides VCK, the DMK has already concluded agreements with other allies such as the Indian Union Muslim League and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, while negotiations with large partners like Congress and others continue.

Analysts say VCK’s stance — focused on seat allocation rather than seeking executive positions — reflects its strategy to bolster its legislative presence without complicating alliance unity. With the 234‑member assembly polls approaching, all parties are balancing electoral ambition with coalition cohesion as they prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest.

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