Rahul Gandhi and Kanimozhi Hold Crucial Meeting on Tamil Nadu Alliance
In a significant political development, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and DMK parliamentarian Kanimozhi met on Wednesday in New Delhi to discuss the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. The meeting, which took place at former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's residence at 10, Janpath, was described as pleasant and cordial by party sources, though it failed to yield any concrete agreement on the contentious issue of seat-sharing between the two alliance partners.
No Numbers Discussed, But Congress Seeks Respectful Treatment
According to sources familiar with the discussions, no specific seat-sharing numbers were negotiated during the meeting. However, Rahul Gandhi, who serves as the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, emphasized the importance of the DMK showing proper respect for the Congress party in their alliance framework. The Congress leader reportedly urged Kanimozhi to ensure that the DMK engages in formal discussions with the committee established by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to resolve all seat-sharing matters.
Congress Demands Substantial Increase in Seats
Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu have been vocal about their desire for a significant enhancement in the number of assembly constituencies they contest in the forthcoming elections. They are pushing for what they term a proper share in power, reflecting their contribution to the alliance. In the previous 2021 assembly elections, the Congress contested 25 out of 234 seats, securing victory in 18 constituencies. The party now believes it deserves a larger slice of the electoral pie.
DMK's Reluctance and Historical Context
Despite the Congress's demands, the DMK has shown clear reluctance to allocate more seats than it did in the last election cycle. The ruling party in Tamil Nadu appears determined to maintain its existing seat distribution formula, creating a potential stumbling block in the alliance negotiations. This resistance comes even as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK supremo M.K. Stalin maintains strong and positive relations with the Congress leadership at the national level.
Alternative Alliance Possibilities and Election Timeline
Amid the ongoing discussions, some state-level Congress leaders have reportedly explored the possibility of forming an alliance with actor Vijay's newly established political outfit, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). However, the Congress high command remains firmly committed to continuing its partnership with the DMK for the upcoming polls. The Tamil Nadu assembly elections are anticipated to be scheduled for April-May 2024, adding urgency to the resolution of these alliance matters.
Optimism for Swift Resolution
Political observers and sources within both parties express confidence that the seat-sharing issue will be resolved amicably in the near future. The longstanding alliance between the Congress and DMK, coupled with the personal rapport between their leaders, suggests that a mutually acceptable formula will eventually emerge. As election preparations intensify, all eyes remain on how these two key political forces will navigate their partnership in the crucial electoral battle for Tamil Nadu.
