Tue Feb 03 14:49:15 UTC 2026: # DMK Excludes Congress from Puducherry Seat-Sharing Talks, Exposing INDIA Bloc Rift

The Story:
Internal discord within the INDIA bloc in Puducherry has surfaced as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a principal opposition party, initiated seat-sharing negotiations with constituent parties for the upcoming Assembly elections in the Union Territory, notably excluding the Congress party. The DMK leadership, including party MP S. Jagathrakshakan and Opposition leader R. Siva, convened separate meetings with leaders from the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) – CPI (M) – and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). This move highlights a potential shift in the balance of power within the alliance, particularly given the DMK’s increased strength in the last elections.

Key Points:

  • The DMK held closed-door meetings with CPI, CPI (M), and VCK leaders to discuss seat sharing for the upcoming Assembly polls.
  • DMK leaders downplayed the significance of the meeting, terming it a “courtesy call,” while VCK and Left party functionaries confirmed it was a preliminary discussion on seat sharing.
  • VCK expressed interest in contesting from Ozhukarai, Nettapakkam, and Ossudu constituencies.
  • CPI is keen to contest under DMK leadership, aiming for a “Tamil Nadu model of alliance” in Puducherry, expressing interest in Thattanchavady, Kamaraj Nagar, Nellithope, and Ozhukarai constituencies.
  • CPI (M) wants to contest from Lawspet and Thirubhuvanai constituencies.
  • Congress leader V. Narayanasamy claimed ignorance of the DMK’s meetings and asserted that the Congress would lead the INDIA bloc.
  • After the 2021 Assembly polls, the DMK aims to establish a “Dravidian model of governance” in Puducherry, aspiring to win 30 seats.

Critical Analysis:

The DMK’s move to exclude Congress from initial seat-sharing talks signals a power struggle within the INDIA bloc in Puducherry. The DMK, having gained ground in the 2021 elections, is likely leveraging its increased strength to assert its dominance and potentially sideline the Congress. The Congress’s claim of ignorance and assertion of leadership seems detached from the unfolding reality on the ground, suggesting a miscalculation of its current standing within the alliance. This event has revealed a significant fissure within the INDIA bloc, likely impacting future political strategies in the region.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DMK is attempting to assert its dominance within the INDIA bloc in Puducherry.
  • Exclusion of Congress from initial seat-sharing discussions points to a strained relationship and a potential shift in alliance dynamics.
  • Congress appears to be underestimating the DMK’s ambitions and influence.
  • The “Tamil Nadu model of alliance” championed by CPI indicates a preference for DMK leadership.
  • The INDIA bloc faces a significant challenge in maintaining unity in Puducherry.

Impact Analysis:

The DMK’s actions could have far-reaching consequences for the INDIA bloc in Puducherry. The exclusion of Congress from initial discussions could lead to further resentment and potentially impact the bloc’s performance in the upcoming elections. If the DMK succeeds in establishing a Dravidian model of governance, it could reshape the political landscape of the Union Territory, potentially reducing the Congress’s influence in the long term. The unity and cohesiveness of the INDIA bloc, both in Puducherry and potentially at the national level, could be significantly tested by this unfolding power struggle. The seat-sharing arrangement and the subsequent election results will be crucial indicators of the future trajectory of this alliance.

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