Digital News Guru Tamil Nadu Desk:
Congress Reaffirms Alliance With DMK: Seat-Sharing Committee Set Up for 2026
In a significant move to quell speculation and solidify its position in the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) has set up a five-member panel to hold seat-sharing talks with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in preparation for the 2026 Assembly polls. The formation of this committee signals Congress’s clear commitment to remaining part of the ruling DMK-led front, while also underscoring its broader ambitions within the INDIA alliance.
The Committee and Its Mandate
The newly formed panel is headed by Girish Raya Chodankar, who is currently the Congress in-charge for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Alongside him, the committee includes K. Selvaperunthagai (President of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, TNCC), S. Rajeshkumar (Congress Legislature Party leader), Nivedith Alva, and Suraj Hegde.
According to Congress leaders, this committee has been entrusted with the task of negotiating the allocation of seats with DMK for the upcoming assembly election in 2026.
Context: Speculation Over TVK Tie-up
The decision to formalize talks comes amid long-running speculation that parts of the Congress were contemplating a departure from DMK to form an alliance with Vijay-led Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) — a newer political force buoyed by the actor’s massive fan base in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
However, senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram welcomed the constitution of the committee, interpreting it as a message of unity: he said this move “strengthens the INDIA bloc.” Chidambaram added that the announcement would “end some of the conjectures” around Congress’s future alliances in the state.
DMK Speaks: Alliance Intact
From the DMK side, leaders have been quick to reassure that the alliance with Congress is strong and ongoing. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasized that there is no split — Congress remains firmly in the DMK-led fold. Meanwhile, Selvaperunthagai reiterated that forming this committee would help end the political uncertainty surrounding the alliance.
Rising Demands From Congress
Behind the scenes, some voices within the Congress are pushing hard for a more generous seat allocation from DMK. Former TNCC chief K. S. Alagiri has publicly stated that Congress’s growing political strength justifies its call for a larger share of assembly constituencies. He insists that these demands don’t indicate any intent to break away from the alliance; rather, they reflect a natural aspiration to expand the party’s electoral footprint.
Pressure From Other Allies
The Congress isn’t the only DMK ally staking its claim. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) — another component of the DMK-led alliance — has also signaled its intention to demand a larger share in the seat-sharing equation. The CPM Tamil Nadu state secretary, P. Shanmugam, stated that the party’s past seat allocation was too meager and that they would press for more seats this time around.
More broadly, multiple reports suggest that voices across the alliance are growing more assertive, demanding equitable distribution ahead of the 2026 polls.
Political Stakes
This move by Congress carries several important political implications:
- Alliance Stability: By formally initiating talks, Congress aims to put to rest rumors of defection to TVK and reaffirm its commitment to the DMK alliance.
- INDIA Bloc Consolidation: A strong electoral understanding between Congress and DMK could bolster the INDIA alliance’s position in Tamil Nadu, making it more formidable in the national political landscape.
- Power Play: The seat demands from Congress reflect not only ambition but a growing expectation of being rewarded proportionally for its support base. How DMK balances its allies’ demands will be crucial for maintaining unity.
- Negotiation Dynamics: The formation of a dedicated committee underscores how high-stakes these negotiations are. It gives Congress a formal mechanism to present its case, seek leverage, and potentially secure a favorable deal.
Historical Context
The Congress–DMK alliance is not new: in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, DMK allotted nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry to Congress. This continuity reflects a long-term bond rooted in shared electoral interests and ideological alignment.
Yet, the dynamics in 2026 are different. With growing regional voices like TVK, and other allies (such as CPM) asserting themselves more strongly, the seat-sharing calculus has become more complex and competitive.
Risks & Challenges
While the panel’s formation is a clear signal of cooperation, it also comes with risks:
- Overreach: If Congress demands too much, it may strain the alliance with DMK.
- Internal Friction: Voices from within Congress pressing for more seats may clash with central leadership’s strategy.
- Alliance Fractures: Other DMK allies, like CPM, could disrupt the equilibrium if their seat-sharing demands are not met.
- Public Perception: Voters may interpret aggressive negotiations as opportunism rather than genuine partnership.
What’s Next
- The five-member Congress panel will now begin detailed parleys with DMK leadership to lock in a seat-sharing formula.
- Talks with other allies — especially CPM — will likely continue in parallel, as each party tries to maximize its share in the assembly.
- Congress leaders will need to strike a delicate balance: pushing for more seats without alienating the DMK, while also projecting strength within the alliance.
Bottom line: By forming a formal committee to negotiate with DMK, Congress is making a strategic bet — aiming not just to stay in the ruling alliance, but to significantly raise its profile and influence in Tamil Nadu’s 2026 Assembly election. Whether this pays off will depend on how skillfully they negotiate, and how well DMK manages the competing demands of its coalition partners.
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