Alliance Tensions Rise as Congress Sets Three Conditions for DMK Ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections
With the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections approaching, alliance negotiations between the ruling DMK and its key partner, the Congress, have entered a sensitive and strategic phase. Early discussions suggest friction as both parties seek to strengthen their positions ahead of the high-stakes election year.
Congress Panel Meets CM Stalin for Initial Talks
A five-member Congress delegation, formed to manage seat-sharing discussions, met Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin earlier this week.
The panel includes:
- Girish Chodankar (TN Congress in-charge)
- K. Selvaperunthagai
- Suraj Hegde
- Nivedith Alva
- Rajeshwar Kumar
Following the formal meeting, Chodankar met Stalin separately, hinting at growing assertiveness from the Congress side.
Rahul Gandhi Communicates Three Key Demands
According to sources, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has conveyed three firm conditions to the DMK leadership:
- Congress must be allotted all 39 constituencies where it claims strong organisational presence.
- Seat-sharing should be finalised by the 20th of this month.
- Congress should be given a share in governance after the elections.
These demands mark a significant shift in tone, indicating Congress’ intention to expand its role within the alliance.
In response, Stalin reportedly said the DMK would appoint its own committee to begin formal negotiations.
Alliance Dynamics: Pressure Rising Within the Bloc
The Congress currently enjoys considerable influence in Tamil Nadu due to its partnership with the DMK. In the 2021 Assembly election, it contested 25 seats and won 19. The DMK-led alliance also includes CPI, CPI(M), MDMK, VCK, IUML, Makkal Needhi Maiam, and KNMDK.
But sources suggest that the DMK now wants to contest more seats compared to previous elections. Smaller allies fear being pushed aside, while Congress’ demand for governance participation adds another layer of complexity.
Will the DMK Agree to Power-Sharing?
Political observers believe Congress’ demand for a share in governance is the most contentious — and the least likely to be accepted.
DMK has historically avoided formal power-sharing with allies, preferring to retain administrative control while offering strategic seat adjustments.
As Tamil Nadu heads into a crucial election year, the success of the DMK-Congress alliance may depend on whether both parties can strike a compromise that balances ambition with electoral practicality.
Originally published on 24×7-news.com.
