Congress and DMK Initiate Intensive Seat-Sharing Negotiations for Puducherry
After finalizing their seat-sharing agreement in Tamil Nadu, the Congress and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) have now turned their attention to the Union Territory of Puducherry, engaging in hectic parleys to determine a seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming assembly elections.
Divergent Demands and Historical Context
The Congress, asserting its position as the head of the alliance in Puducherry, is pushing to contest in 20 seats, which is five more than the 15 seats it contested in the 2021 assembly poll. Historically, the Congress has contested more than 20 seats in Puducherry, and party functionaries are keen to return to that pattern. This move is seen as a strategic effort to ensure the party can form a government on its own, especially after settling for fewer seats than expected in Tamil Nadu.
On the other hand, the DMK, which initially eyed 18 seats, has scaled down its demand to 15 seats. The Dravidian party's argument hinges on its performance in the last election: while it contested fewer seats (13) compared to Congress (15), it won six seats, whereas Congress secured only two. DMK functionaries believe they should be allocated seats proportionate to their strike rate, emphasizing their electoral success.
Alliance Dynamics and Leadership Claims
After attending a meeting of the seven-member alliance coordination committee led by MP V Vaithilingam, AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar highlighted that adjustments are inevitable in alliances. He clarified that while the DMK heads the alliance in Tamil Nadu, the Congress will lead the alliance in Puducherry. This distinction underscores the complex power dynamics within the coalition.
Two other allies, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), have also joined the fray, seeking more seats. The VCK, in particular, has requested three seats, adding another layer to the negotiations.
Stalemate and Historical Precedents
Meanwhile, former chief minister V Narayanasamy revealed on Sunday that he contacted Puducherry Leader of Opposition (DMK) R Siva following Chodankar's instructions to begin talks with alliance partners. "I called him and asked when we could meet for discussions. I am yet to receive a response," he said, indicating a potential stalemate in the negotiations.
Narayanasamy emphasized the Congress's traditional leadership role in Puducherry alliances under successive chief ministers, including Shanmugam, Farooq Maricar, and V Vaithilingam. He declined to respond to remarks by some DMK leaders about forming a "Dravidian model government" in the Union Territory, hinting at underlying tensions.
Background and Electoral History
In the 2021 assembly poll, the seat distribution among allies was as follows:
- Congress contested in 15 seats
- DMK contested in 13 seats
- CPI and VCK contested in one seat each
The results showed DMK winning six seats and Congress securing two, a factor that continues to influence current demands. As negotiations progress, both parties are navigating their historical roles and recent performances to carve out a viable strategy for the upcoming elections.
The outcome of these talks will be crucial in shaping the alliance's prospects in Puducherry, with each party vying for a share that reflects its strength and aspirations in the Union Territory.
