CHENNAI: The DMK’s pre-election maneuvering intensifies as it courts DMDK for a potential game-changing alliance ahead of Tamil Nadu’s Assembly elections. Negotiations center on divvying up seats and cementing a durable tie-up.
In a calculated bid, DMK has proposed seven assembly constituencies and a forthcoming Rajya Sabha vacancy to DMDK, aiming to broaden its front while claiming the lion’s share of contests.
DMDK’s response has been assertive, seeking 14 seats and maintaining dialogues with the NDA to keep leverage high. This dual-tracking has prolonged talks, though DMK anticipates closure imminently.
With organizational revamps like special electoral roll revisions on the horizon, DMK wants pacts inked fast. It targets 170-plus seats, a testament to its governance record and poll readiness.
Parallel explorations include overtures to O Panneerselvam, but evaluations peg his influence as niche, tempering enthusiasm. DMK’s calculus favors alliances with proven mobilizational strength.
This saga highlights DMK’s methodical alliance-building, shunning showy deals for substantive gains. Whether DMDK integrates as a cornerstone or opts out will profoundly impact the electoral arithmetic, keeping Tamil Nadu’s polity on edge.