Congress wants 35 seats in Tamil Nadu, DMK sets limit at 28, cites more allies
Times of India
by JULIE MARIAPPAN AND YAZHINIYANFebruary 24, 2026
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Congress demands 35 seats in Tamil Nadu's upcoming election, while DMK, the alliance leader, offers only two or three additional seats beyond its 2021 allocation of 25. The negotiations reflect a significant分歧 between the parties, with DMK stating it will take on tougher constituencies and allocate easier ones to Congress. This approach aims to ensure victory in more challenging areas while accommodating smaller allies like DMDK and MNM, which require at least seven seats.
The discussions come amid shifting political dynamics, as new parties have joined the DMK alliance, increasing its size by ten partners. Congress, led by Girish Chodankar, has shifted its focus from power-sharing to securing more roles in local bodies, including mayor positions, and a Rajya Sabha seat. Despite this strategic pivot, the party's demand for 35 seats remains central to the talks.
The meetings between Congress leaders and DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi have been positive but ongoing. Both sides acknowledge the complexity of the negotiations, with DMK emphasizing that it cannot fulfill all of Congress's requests due to the expanded coalition. The discussions highlight the challenges of balancing party interests while maintaining alliance stability ahead of crucial elections.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026