Cong seeks 45 seats in Tamil Nadu; DMK 'reluctant' to offer beyond 25: Report
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Congress party has demanded 45 seats from the DMK for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections, but the DMK-led government remains reluctant to allocate more than 25 seats, creating a potential deadlock in their alliance. The seat-sharing talks began with high-level meetings between Congress leaders and DMK chief MK Stalin. While the Congress argues that its strong performance in the 2021 elections—winning 72% of contested seats—justifies a larger seat allocation, the DMK has stuck to its original offer of 25 seats, as it comfortably secured a majority on its own in the last election.
The Congress’s demand is based on its analysis of the 2021 results, where it won 18 out of 25 contested seats. Party insiders believe they could secure at least 20 of the seats they previously lost if given the opportunity again, citing stronger local consolidation and a better chance in direct contests. Meanwhile, the DMK, which contested 173 constituencies in 2021 and won 133, has shown no willingness to increase its seat offer, emphasizing its ability to maintain power independently.
The discussions come amid growing demands from some Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu for a greater share in governance, a request that Stalin has rejected. The DMK leads the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes several smaller parties. With the assembly elections expected in April, the outcome of these negotiations will shape the political landscape and determine whether the two parties can maintain their alliance or face a potential breakup.
This situation highlights the complexities of coalition-building in Indian regional politics and underscores the delicate balance of power-sharing in Tamil Nadu. For readers interested in global politics, this story offers insight into the challenges of forming alliances in India’s diverse electoral environment, where every seat can make—or break—a government’s chances of success.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026