DMK defends seat allocation to DMDK amid criticism from Opposition State Minister S.S. Sivasankar defended the DMK-led alliance’s seat-sharing strategy for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, addressing growing criticism from opposition parties over the distribution of constituencies. The controversy centers on the allocation of 10 seats to the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), compared to eight for the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and four for the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK). Opposition parties have questioned the rationale for granting more seats to DMDK, a newer alliance member, while long-standing partners received fewer allocations. Sivasankar stated that the seat-sharing formula was finalized after extensive consultations with all alliance partners, emphasizing that each party was given “due respect.” He dismissed allegations of bias, asserting that the allocations were the result of multiple rounds of discussions. The minister also rejected claims that the Congress had been unfairly favored, clarifying that such accusations were unfounded. Regarding DMDK’s allocation, Sivasankar noted that the party had previously operated as an opposition force, and the 10-seat assignment was made in that context. He highlighted the alliance’s democratic nature, stating that leaders of participating parties were free to voice their opinions independently. Looking ahead, the minister announced plans for a statewide campaign to gather public input for the election manifesto, which would be submitted to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin after incorporating feedback. Sivasankar also criticized the opposition, particularly the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), accusing its leadership of engaging in constant criticism without addressing internal issues.#aiadmk #dmk #dmdk #vck #state_minister_s_s_sivasankar
Tamil Nadu Election 2026: DMDK Allotted 10 Seats, DMK Likely to Contest in 175 Seats The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has finalized seat-sharing arrangements for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, allocating 10 seats to its new ally, the Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK), in addition to a Rajya Sabha berth. The DMK also allocated eight constituencies to its long-time partner, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). Makkal Needhi Maiam founder Kamal Haasan, who opted out of the electoral fray, has extended full support to the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). The DMK is expected to contest in 175 of the 234 Assembly segments, including candidates from other parties who have agreed to run under the DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol. The party has allocated 66 seats to its allies, comprising 28 to the Congress, 10 to the DMDK, eight to the VCK, five each to the CPI and CPI(M), four to the MDMK, and two each to the Indian Union Muslim League, Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (KMDK), and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK). The KMDK and MMK will contest on the DMK ticket, while the MDMK will use the ‘Rising Sun’ symbol in three of its four seats. The DMDK’s allocation includes one Rajya Sabha seat, which was secured through the election of party treasurer L.K. Sudhish to the Upper House this month. The VCK, which will contest six reserved constituencies and two general seats, has opted for eight seats in the Assembly election. In the 2021 polls, the VCK contested from Kattumannarkoil, Cheyyur, Nagapattinam, Thiruporur, Arakkonam, and Vanur, winning four seats. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan stated that the party’s decision to settle for eight seats was driven by the alliance’s collective victory over right-wing forces, rather than individual gains.#kamal_haasan #dmk #tamil_nadu_election_2026 #dmdk #vck
