Chennai, February 22: The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) is set to initiate discussions on seat sharing starting this Sunday. The ruling DMK has indicated it may follow the formula used in the 2021 assembly elections, while several allied parties are pushing for a larger share of the seats.
In the 2021 elections, the DMK contested 188 out of 234 assembly seats, distributing the remaining seats among its allies. The Congress received 25 seats, while most other allied parties were allocated only a single-digit number of seats. However, the political landscape has become more complex this time with the inclusion of the DMDK and Kamal Haasan‘s Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in the alliance.
Party sources revealed that the DMK leadership will first provide information on the total number of seats available for allocation before discussing specific constituencies with each allied party.
A senior official stated, “Alliance partners have already submitted their preferred list of seats, and discussions will proceed in phases.” However, many allies appear determined to negotiate for tougher agreements this time. A senior leftist leader commented that while their party was limited to six seats in 2021, they are now starting negotiations with a demand for double-digit seats.
The DMDK, which contested around 15 seats under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol in the last election, may see changes in its seat allocation due to the entry of new parties.
The inclusion of the DMDK has increased pressure on DMK leadership. According to sources, the party may allocate six to eight seats to them.
Meanwhile, the MNM, which contested independently in 2021, has joined the DMK-led alliance for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, providing support without contesting. In return, Kamal Haasan has been nominated for the Rajya Sabha.
Haasan has clarified that he will not be directly involved in the seat-sharing discussions, stating that his party’s demands will be announced at the appropriate time, while emphasizing the importance of alliance unity.
With demands for increased representation from several allied parties and expectations for Rajya Sabha nominations, DMK leadership faces the challenge of maintaining alliance unity while minimizing the impact on its electoral strength.
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