The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is currently engaged in seat-sharing negotiations for the upcoming April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. These discussions have highlighted a differential approach by the DMK towards its various coalition partners.
The DMK exhibited flexibility with its principal ally, the Congress, by conceding three additional Assembly seats and a Rajya Sabha berth. In contrast, a firmer stance has been adopted with several of its smaller allies, leading to reduced seat allocations compared to previous elections. For example, the CPI has been allotted five seats (down from six), the MDMK four (with three to be contested under the DMK’s symbol), and the IUML two (reduced from three).
Leaders of some smaller parties, such as T. Velmurugan of the Tamilaga Vazhvurimai Katchi, have expressed dissatisfaction with their proposed share. Additionally, the accommodation of the DMDK with an offer of a Rajya Sabha seat and an undisclosed number of Assembly seats has reportedly led to private questions among existing alliance members. Smaller partners reportedly view these allocations as increasingly restrictive and not fully reflective of their political weight, a sentiment that has previously drawn criticism regarding their close alignment with the DMK.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/tamil-nadu-assembly/tamil-nadu-assembly-polls-dmk-and-its-smaller-allies/article70772121.ece
