DMK considering seats for DMDK as alliance negotiations continue ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has intensified discussions with actor Vijayakant’s Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) to explore the possibility of bringing the party into its electoral alliance.
Sources said DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakant has remained in constant touch with senior DMK leaders. During the negotiations, she placed a demand for a two-digit number of Assembly seats along with one Rajya Sabha seat. However, DMK leaders have clearly conveyed that such a large allocation of Assembly seats is not acceptable.
According to party insiders, the DMK has shown openness to offering one Rajya Sabha seat to the DMDK. At the same time, the party prefers limiting the number of Assembly constituencies based on the DMDK’s present electoral strength. A senior source said the DMK aims to strike a practical deal rather than an emotionally driven one.
The talks form part of the DMK’s broader strategy to consolidate opposition votes against the AIADMK and other rivals. Although the DMDK’s electoral performance has weakened in recent years, the party still enjoys residual goodwill among sections of voters, particularly in parts of northern and central Tamil Nadu.
Premallatha Vijayakant has reportedly argued that the DMDK’s legacy and grassroots cadre justify a stronger presence in the alliance. However, DMK leaders remain cautious and continue to assess seat-sharing based on winnability and alliance balance.
As discussions progress, DMK considering seats for DMDK remains a significant factor in shaping the pre-poll alliance landscape. The final decision is likely to emerge closer to the election schedule, once negotiations with other allies reach clarity.
