Wed Feb 25 13:50:44 UTC 2026: ### Headline: DMK-Congress Alliance in Tamil Nadu Faces Stalemate Over Seat-Sharing Demands

The Story:

Negotiations between the DMK and Congress parties for seat-sharing in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections have reached a standstill. The Congress is reportedly demanding 40 seats, one for each Lok Sabha constituency, a number the DMK deems “impossible to accommodate.” With Chief Minister M.K. Stalin occupied with functions in Kanniyakumari district, a date for further talks remains unconfirmed, causing concern among local Congress MLAs and religious leaders in the region. The potential breakdown of the alliance raises fears of benefiting rival parties AIADMK and BJP, and impacting future Lok Sabha polls.

Key Points:

  • The DMK and Congress are struggling to agree on seat allocation for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
  • Congress is demanding 40 seats, which the DMK considers too high.
  • No date has been confirmed for further negotiations.
  • Local Congress MLAs and religious leaders in Kanniyakumari express concern over the potential split, fearing it would benefit the AIADMK and BJP.
  • The Congress is also demanding two Rajya Sabha seats.

Critical Analysis:

The DMK’s reluctance to concede the demanded number of seats to Congress likely stems from the need to accommodate other smaller parties within the alliance. The historical context hints at a complex political landscape in Tamil Nadu, with Sasikala’s re-entry potentially destabilizing the AIADMK, which could indirectly influence the DMK’s negotiation strategy. Stalin’s prediction of Modi’s increased involvement suggests the DMK is also factoring in the BJP’s influence when determining seat allocations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The DMK-Congress alliance is under strain due to conflicting demands, potentially reshaping the political landscape of Tamil Nadu.
  • Seat-sharing negotiations are a critical indicator of alliance strength and future electoral prospects.
  • The potential breakdown of the alliance could significantly benefit rival parties like AIADMK and BJP.
  • The Congress’s bargaining power is being tested, as they are trying to maximize their seat share while the DMK has to also consider other parties.
  • The concerns expressed by religious leaders highlight the importance of the alliance for minority voters in key districts like Kanniyakumari.

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