DMDK Engages in Seat Negotiations with AIADMK, Sarathkumar’s Party Joins NDA

Amidst the fervor of Lok Sabha election preparations in Tamil Nadu, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) has entered official seat-sharing discussions with the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), marking a significant development in the state’s political landscape.

The late Captain Vijayakanth’s DMDK on Wednesday completed the second round of seat-sharing talks with the AIADMK ahead of the Lok Sabha polls.

Representatives from DMDK, led by prominent figures including V Elangovan, Alagapuram R Mohanraj, and P Parthasarathy, convened with AIADMK’s top leadership, comprising K P Munusamy, Dindigul C Sreenivasan, P Thangamani, S P Velumani, and P Benjamin, at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai.

Following the meeting, Elangovan addressed the press, affirming the alignment of ideologies between the two parties and hinting at the formation of a formidable alliance poised for victory. He emphasized the importance of further discussions under the guidance of Premalatha Vijayakanth, the general secretary of DMDK and widow of the late Captain Vijayakanth.

Regarding the allocation of seats, Elangovan remained discreet, stating that only preliminary discussions had taken place, with more detailed negotiations slated for future meetings. This cautious approach aligns with Premalatha Vijayakanth’s previous statements, emphasizing the significance of securing a respectable number of Lok Sabha seats and a Rajya Sabha seat in potential alliances.

Sources suggest that DMDK may be assigned four seats, consistent with their allocation in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Additionally, AIADMK has pledged to address DMDK’s request for a Rajya Sabha seat post the Lok Sabha polls. Notably, the AIADMK-DMDK alliance previously contested under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) umbrella in the 2019 polls.

In a parallel development, actor R Sarathkumar’s All India Samathuva Makkal Katchi has announced its collaboration with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, adding further intrigue to the evolving political landscape in Tamil Nadu.