Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: Congress’ Karti Chidambaram on Seat-Sharing Talks with DMK

As Tamil Nadu prepares for assembly elections expected in April, negotiations between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its long-standing ally, the Indian National Congress, are intensifying. The core issue: the allocation of seats. The process, according to Congress MP Karti Chidambaram, is a complex one requiring careful negotiation, likening it to “cutting the cake and sharing it” among all participating parties.

Chidambaram’s comments, made to ANI on February 15, 2026, highlight the inherent challenges of coalition building. The alliance between the Congress and DMK dates back to 2004, but this election cycle presents unique dynamics. A committee dedicated to finalizing the seat-sharing arrangements is scheduled to convene on February 22nd, as announced by the DMK.

The upcoming talks aren’t occurring in a vacuum. Smaller parties are weighing their options, and the possibility of shifting alliances adds another layer of complexity. Chidambaram acknowledged that some parties are “flirting on both sides,” keeping their options open, suggesting a fluid political landscape where allegiances aren’t yet firmly set.

The seat allocation discussion comes amidst predictions of a strong showing for the DMK. Congress MP Manickam Tagore referenced a forecast by Tamil Nadu Minister Raja Kannappan, who predicted the DMK could secure 160 seats while contesting 170 constituencies. This prediction, while not a formal negotiation position, underscores the DMK’s confidence and potentially influences the Congress’s expectations.

The Tamil Nadu assembly comprises 234 seats. In the 2021 elections, the Secular Progressive Alliance, led by the DMK, won a significant majority with 159 seats. The DMK itself secured 133 seats after contesting 173, while the Congress party won 12 seats competing in 18 of the 25 seats allocated to them. These figures provide a baseline for current negotiations, with both parties likely aiming to improve their respective seat counts.

However, the process isn’t without internal friction within the Congress party itself. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai publicly rebuked MP Manickam Tagore for raising the issue of power-sharing with the DMK at a district-level meeting in Madurai. Selvaperunthagai questioned whether Tagore believed himself to be “bigger than the AICC leadership,” emphasizing the importance of adhering to the party’s central directives.

This rebuke followed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s dismissal of demands for a share in governance as a “conspiracy,” even while reaffirming the alliance’s continued existence. The AICC (All India Congress Committee) has reportedly issued instructions that alliance matters should not be discussed publicly, a directive Selvaperunthagai stated he strictly follows. This suggests a desire to maintain a unified front and avoid public disagreements that could weaken the coalition’s position.

The underlying tension stems from the Congress party’s desire for a greater role in governance, beyond simply holding a certain number of seats in the assembly. Tagore’s comments alluded to this expectation, asserting that a share in governance is the party’s right. However, Stalin’s response indicates the DMK is resistant to such demands, potentially viewing them as an encroachment on its authority.

The situation highlights a broader dynamic within the INDIA bloc – the opposition alliance aiming to challenge the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Successful seat-sharing arrangements in key states like Tamil Nadu are crucial for the bloc’s overall prospects. The BJP, according to reports, is actively attempting to divide the vote bank, making a unified front among opposition parties even more critical.

Despite the internal disagreements and the firm stance taken by Stalin, both sides appear committed to maintaining the alliance, at least publicly. Selvaperunthagai affirmed that the INDIA bloc remains united, despite the BJP’s efforts to disrupt it. Stalin, for his part, assured DMK cadre that he “will take care” of the seat-sharing arrangements, signaling a willingness to navigate the complexities and reach a mutually acceptable agreement.

The next few weeks will be critical as the seat-sharing committee convenes and negotiations progress. The outcome will not only determine the electoral fortunes of the Congress and DMK but also have significant implications for the broader political landscape in Tamil Nadu and the INDIA bloc’s national ambitions. The challenge lies in balancing the expectations of various parties, maintaining a unified front, and ultimately presenting a cohesive challenge to the BJP in the upcoming assembly elections.