R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, MAR 25
In a decisive pre-poll consolidation, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has stitched together a broad-based seat-sharing arrangement within the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), with Chief Minister M K Stalin set to lead the front into the Assembly elections with a commanding electoral footprint.
- M K Stalin’s DMK to contest 165+ seats as Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) finalises sharing formula
- Congress gets 28 seats; Left parties, VCK, MDMK and others accommodated in calibrated distribution
- Unique ‘Rising Sun’ strategy: DMK and allies to contest 175 constituencies under one symbol
- 26-party alliance projects unity; over 16,500 aspirants signal intense grassroots mobilisation
- Focus shifts to campaign mode amid Opposition attacks and internal balancing
The DMK is poised to contest at least 165 seats, while 66 constituencies have been allocated to allies, completing the alliance arithmetic across Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly segments.
Seat matrix: Balancing allies, maximising reach
- Indian National Congress – 28 seats (largest ally)
- Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi – 8 seats
- Communist Party of India – 5 seats
- Communist Party of India (Marxist) – 5 seats
- Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – 4 seats
- Indian Union Muslim League – 2 seats
- Manithaneya Makkal Katchi – 2 seats
Other smaller allies in the 26-party SPA have also been accommodated as part of a carefully negotiated formula.
‘One symbol, One message’ strategy
In a strategic innovation, Stalin announced that DMK and alliance candidates together will contest 175 constituencies under the party’s iconic ‘Rising Sun’ symbol, projecting a unified electoral identity.
“All 234 Assembly constituencies are ours,” Stalin asserted, calling for seamless coordination among cadres and allies.
‘Consultative, democratic exercise’
In a detailed communication to party workers, Stalin emphasised that the seat-sharing process was rooted in dialogue and inclusivity.
“The seat-sharing process was carried out through extensive consultations with alliance partners, ensuring a democratic and balanced distribution,” he said.
He added that onboarding new partners required careful calibration to maintain fairness while maximising electoral prospects.
Dravidian model pitch & cadre mobilisation
Projecting governance as the alliance’s core plank, Stalin said: “The Dravidian model has restored growth and stability in Tamil Nadu after a decade of setbacks.”
He credited allies for advancing secularism, social justice, state rights, and equality, key pillars of the alliance narrative.
Highlighting internal democracy, he noted: “More than 16,500 aspirants participated in interviews,” describing it as a reflection of the party’s grassroots strength.
Undercurrents & Opposition Fire
While the alliance has largely closed ranks, negotiations saw the Left parties settling for slightly fewer seats, citing the broader goal of defeating ideological opponents.
Meanwhile, Seeman of Naam Tamilar Katchi alleged internal contradictions within the DMK, including claims around leadership dynamics—charges the ruling party has not officially responded to.
Campaign mode on
With seat-sharing now largely sealed, the DMK-led front is shifting gears to full-scale campaign mobilisation, banking on unity, governance record, and a broad social coalition to retain power in a high-stakes electoral contest.
