Chennai: Bowing to sustained pressure from its principal ally, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has announced it will commence formal seat-sharing negotiations for the 2026 Assembly elections, with talks scheduled to begin on February 22. The decision marks a significant concession to the Indian National Congress, which had been vocal about the need to expedite the alliance framework amidst the rapidly heating political climate in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Election 2026: DMK’s structured talks to begin post-budget session
The DMK leadership confirmed that a dedicated constituency allocation committee will spearhead the negotiations, which will launch immediately after the state’s interim budget session concludes on February 17. By setting a firm date, the DMK aims to address growing impatience within the Secular Progressive Alliance, particularly from the Congress, which has been awaiting a clear timeline to plan its campaign strategy across the 234 constituencies. This move is seen as a critical step to project alliance unity and operational readiness against the consolidated NDA opposition.
Ground war in parallel: Manifesto drives and cadre mobilization ramp up
The announcement on alliance mechanics comes as the DMK intensifies its grassroots election machinery. The party’s manifesto committee has been touring the state, collecting over 75,000 public suggestions, while the women’s wing has launched the ‘Vellum Tamil Pengal’ door-to-door campaign. With voter list revision, agent training, and major conferences like the one planned in Trichy, the party is working to solidify its organizational base.
By yielding to the Congress’s demand for a clear negotiation calendar, the DMK seeks to streamline the pre-poll process, ensuring that internal bargaining does not overshadow the broader campaign against the AIADMK-BJP-led front. The outcome of these talks, starting February 22, will define the final contour of the opposition challenge and set the stage for a high-stakes electoral battle in Tamil Nadu.