Alliance trouble in Tamil Nadu? Why DMK and Congress are stuck in a seat-sharing standoff

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin exuded confidence in the DMK forming the government on its own

• DMK-Congress seat-sharing talks in Tamil Nadu stalled
• Congress seeks more seats and cabinet roles if alliance wins
• DMK insists on leading government, alliance with Congress intact

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The fissure between the INDIA bloc partners in Tamil Nadu has widened ahead of the Assembly election this year with talks between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress appearing to be stalled with just months to go for polls.

While both parties remain part of the broader INDIA bloc, seat-sharing discussions are yet to formally kick off with the question of power-sharing remaining unresolved. The Congress, besides a higher share of seats within the alliance, is also seeking representation in the state cabinet if the bloc emerges winner in the polls.

The rift became evident recently when Congress MP Manickam Tagore publicly pushed back against Chief Minister MK Stalin after he dismissed the power-sharing demands as a "conspiracy". Stalin recently ruled out sharing power with allies, while insisting that the alliance with the Congress was "intact" and free of confusion.

Tagore questioned Stalin’s remarks in a one-line post on X: "How is it that seeking, in a spirit of friendship, a role (a share) in work to serve the people could be termed as conspiracy?"

Stalin, however, has also asserted that the DMK would form a government in the state on its own, a remark seen as a terse message to its alliance partner.

What is the trigger?

At the heart of the standoff lies the question of seat distribution and the possibilities of a post-election power arrangement.

The Congress, which had contested a relatively small number of constituencies in the last Assembly polls, is now understood to be pushing for a bigger share of seats. According to reports, the party is also keen on a more prominent role in the campaign and clearer assurances on how power would be shared if the alliance returns to office.

Tamil Nadu remains one of the few southern states where the Congress retains some organisational footprint through alliance politics. However, being perpetually seen as a junior partner limits its growth prospects.

The Congress has been on the winning side in Tamil Nadu several times, but it has never been part of the DMK Cabinet.

What is DMK’s stand?

Expressing confidence that DMK could form the government on its own, Stalin recently said his party would still contest the polls in alliance with Congress.

In 2021, the DMK won 133 of the 234 seats, enabling it to form the government on its own. The Congress, which contested as its ally, won 18 of the 25 seats.

However, Stalin has repeatedly maintained that his government is focused on governance and welfare delivery, not on pre-election bargaining.

Meanwhile,  DMK Minister RS Rajakannappan took a sharp swipe at the Congress, suggesting that “one or two individuals” within the party were creating friction within the alliance. “

Invoking former DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, Rajakannappan asked whether Kalaignar had ever offered a share in governance when the DMK won over 100 seats. “When the DMK is poised to secure 150 seats, how can we offer a share?” he said.

He asserted that the government would be led solely by Stalin.

This approach also indicates the DMK’s image as the dominant force within the alliance. It also keeps the spotlight on the party’s flagship welfare measures — particularly women-centric schemes. Maintaining its stand in seat sharing talks, the DMK avoids creating any perception that the party is under pressure n.

By deferring hard negotiations, the DMK leadership appears intent on entering seat-sharing talks closer to the election from a position of strength.

Threat to DMK?

However, the emergence of Vijay’s TVK gives the Congress an option to explore political realignment in the state. The TVK, which is leaving no stone unturned for a debut victory, has already called the Congress a “natural ally.”

Actor Vijay’s popularity and his massive rallies have already forced the existing players to take note of him.