DMK and Left Allies Finalizing Seat-Sharing Agreement Ahead of Elections

The DMK is on the brink of finalizing its seat-sharing arrangement with its Left allies, CPI and CPI(M), as negotiations reach a critical stage. With both parties advocating for an increase in their seat allocations, discussions are expected to conclude soon. The DMK's leadership is inclined to maintain the previous formula from the last Assembly elections, which could help preserve unity within the alliance. Political observers are keenly watching these developments, as the final decision will significantly impact the electoral strategy for the upcoming elections. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving political landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 11:16 IST

Seat-Sharing Negotiations Intensify

Chennai, March 18: The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is on the verge of finalizing its seat-sharing deal with its Left partners, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), with discussions expected to conclude on Wednesday. Reports suggest that the arrangement will likely mirror the formula established in 2021.

According to DMK sources, the party is inclined to allocate six seats each to both the CPI and CPI(M), maintaining the same number they contested in the previous Assembly elections.

This decision is anticipated to be made following consultations with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, with an official announcement expected later today.

Both Left parties have been advocating for a slight increase in their seat allocations. Leaders from the CPI and CPI(M) have requested at least one additional seat each, arguing that their organizational strength and electoral contributions justify a larger representation within the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).

On Tuesday, CPI(M) leaders convened with the DMK’s seat-sharing committee at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, reiterating their demands. Following the meeting, CPI(M) state secretary P. Shanmugam expressed optimism about the discussions, stating that they were progressing positively.

“The committee has assured us that they will discuss our request with the Chief Minister and revert to us,” he noted, expressing hope for a mutually beneficial agreement.

Shanmugam previously questioned the rationale behind denying additional seats to the Left parties while larger allies like the Congress were expected to receive more constituencies than in the last election. However, he emphasized that the CPI(M) was primarily focused on its own allocation rather than the shares of other alliance partners, including the DMDK.

Insiders from the DMK indicated that there were initial considerations to reduce the Left parties’ quota to five seats each. Nevertheless, the leadership seems to have shifted away from that stance to maintain alliance stability and prevent discord ahead of the elections.

Political analysts believe that the DMK aims to conclude alliance negotiations quickly to concentrate on campaign strategies and candidate selections. Preserving the current seat-sharing arrangement could help maintain unity within the alliance while addressing competing demands.

The outcome of these discussions is seen as crucial, as the DMK’s final decision will likely influence the alliance’s electoral strategy for the forthcoming Assembly elections.