New Delhi: The longstanding electoral alliance between the DMK and the Congress in Tamil Nadu has been formally reaffirmed following a crucial meeting in New Delhi between DMK MP Kanimozhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The discussions, held on Wednesday evening, focused on quelling internal dissent and advancing seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, sources confirmed.
Key Agenda: Silencing Public Spats and Initiating Seat Calculus
The meeting addressed two primary concerns that had recently strained the alliance. First, to end public confusion created by some Congress leaders vocalizing demands for a “share in power.” Sources indicate that AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge has since summoned key Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) functionaries, instructing them to leave negotiations to the leadership and focus solely on groundwork for the INDIA bloc’s victory.
Second, preliminary seat-sharing discussions were initiated. The DMK has reportedly assured the Congress it will not interfere with the 25 constituencies the party contested in the 2021 elections, where it won 18 seats—a 72% strike rate. Buoyed by this performance, the Congress is expected to press for a higher allocation, likely around 30 seats, in the final negotiations.
Congress Rejects Overtures, Reaffirms Commitment to DMK-Led Front
The meeting also served to firmly shut down speculation about the Congress exploring alternatives. This comes after filmmaker S.A. Chandrasekhar, father of actor-politician Vijay, suggested the Congress should seek a direct share of power instead of playing a supporting role—an indirect pitch for an alliance with Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). TNCC President Selva Perunthagai swiftly rejected the overture, stating the party needed no external encouragement and remained firmly with the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance.
The one-hour meeting between Gandhi and Kanimozhi concluded on a productive note, with both sides committing to continue their winning partnership from 2019, 2021, and 2024. An official seat-sharing announcement is expected in the coming days, which will formally set the stage for the alliance’s campaign to retain power in Tamil Nadu against a reconfigured NDA opposition and emerging parties.