Mon Feb 23 06:21:44 UTC 2026: Headline: Congress and DMK Face Tense Seat Negotiations Ahead of Assembly Election

The Story:
As the February 2026 Assembly election approaches, the Congress party is engaging in difficult negotiations with its alliance partner, the DMK, regarding seat allocation and potential power-sharing. Sources within Congress express concern over the timing of these discussions, suggesting they should have occurred months earlier. The DMK’s strategy of accommodating smaller parties, including Makkal Needhi Maiam, Sridhar Vandayar’s party, actor Karunas, and DMDK, further complicates the negotiations, potentially reducing the number of seats available for Congress. The VCK, another ally, suggests the DMDK’s seat allocation could indicate the DMK’s preparation for a potential Congress exit.

Key Points:

  • Congress is in tough negotiations with the DMK over seat allocation and potential power-sharing.
  • Congress leaders believe discussions should have happened six months prior to the election.
  • The DMK is looking to include smaller parties, potentially reducing seat availability for Congress.
  • The DMK is concerned about the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam joining the AIADMK alliance.
  • VCK suggests that DMDK’s seat allocation might signal DMK preparing for a Congress exit.
  • The DMK aims to contest in 170-180 seats to secure a majority on its own.
  • Congress is reportedly seeking 41 seats, while settling for 30 seats would make them look weak.

Critical Analysis:
The timing of the negotiation and the DMK’s strategy to align with other parties are significant. The DMK’s actions suggest a calculated move to consolidate power by minimizing dependence on any single alliance partner. The inclusion of smaller parties could be a strategic attempt to broaden their support base and offset potential anti-incumbency, as indicated by the VCK member. The Congress party’s late push for more seats and power-sharing appears to be a miscalculation, potentially weakening their position in the alliance.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DMK is prioritizing its own majority in the upcoming election.
  • Congress’s negotiation strategy may be flawed due to the timing of their demands.
  • The inclusion of smaller parties by the DMK adds complexity to the alliance dynamics.
  • Potential anti-incumbency is a factor influencing the DMK’s strategy.

Impact Analysis:
The outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the power dynamics within the DMK-led alliance. A reduced seat allocation for Congress could weaken their influence in the government, potentially leading to internal dissent and future instability within the alliance. Conversely, a successful negotiation could solidify their position, but at the cost of alienating other smaller parties. The long-term implications include a possible realignment of political forces in Tamil Nadu, depending on the performance of each party in the election and the subsequent distribution of power.

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