In a significant development ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Congress have reached a seat-sharing agreement in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The deal, finalized by DMK President and Chief Minister MK Stalin and TNCC chief K Selvaperunthagai, allocates nine seats to the Congress in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry, while the DMK will contest on 21 seats.
The agreement, reached in the presence of AICC leaders KC Venugopal and Ajoy Kumar, highlights the strategic alliance between the two parties as they gear up for the electoral battle in April-May. Additionally, the Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM], and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) will contest on two seats each, while the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), and Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KNMK) will contest on one seat each. Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) is slated to receive one Rajya Sabha seat in 2025.
Expressing confidence in the alliance's prospects, Congress MP KC Venugopal stated, "Congress will contest elections on 9 seats in Tamil Nadu and one seat in Puducherry. On the remaining seats, we will support the candidates of DMK and alliance parties. We will win all 40 seats of Tamil Nadu."
With Tamil Nadu comprising 39 Lok Sabha seats and Puducherry contributing one parliamentary seat, the allocation of seats underscores the strategic distribution of resources and the collaborative effort between the alliance partners. Venugopal emphasized the strong bond between the Congress and the DMK, reinforcing their shared commitment to securing electoral success in the region.