DMK-Led Alliance Faces Minor Setback as TVK Exits Over Seat Allocation Dispute
In a development that adds to the ongoing seat-sharing impasse within the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, minor ally Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK), led by T Velmurugan, has decided to quit the alliance. This decision comes amid unresolved differences over the allocation of seats for the upcoming Assembly election, marking a small but significant setback for the coalition.
Seat-Sharing Negotiations Hit Roadblocks with CPM and TVK
While the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM remains firm on its demand for a specific number of seats, TVK insisted on receiving at least two seats instead of the single seat offered by the DMK. So far, the DMK has allocated a total of 43 seats to its alliance partners. The breakdown includes 28 seats for the Congress, five for the Communist Party of India (CPI), four for the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), and two each for the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), Kongunadu Makkal Desia Katchi (KMDK), and Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK).
CPM's Marathon Meeting and Undecided Stance
The CPM state committee held an extensive meeting on Saturday at its headquarters in Chennai, which lasted until late evening. The left party has yet to decide whether it will accept the DMK's suggestion to reduce its seat allocation or consider exiting the alliance altogether. In the 2021 Assembly election, the CPM contested six seats and managed to secure victories in two of them.
CPM general secretary M A Baby participated in the meeting, where functionaries discussed the potential implications of quitting the DMK alliance, especially given their involvement in the INDIA bloc. Sources indicated that Baby was present to gather input from all party members before making a final decision.
VCK Leader Agrees to Seat Reduction Amid Alliance Concerns
Meanwhile, the DMK is moving closer to a final agreement with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan. Thirumavalavan has agreed, albeit "with pain," to accept a reduction from his initial demand for 10 seats. According to sources, the VCK is likely to settle for seven or possibly eight seats in the allocation.
Earlier, Thirumavalavan openly expressed concerns about the prolonged negotiations between the DMK and CPM. He emphasized that left parties would never act against the interests of the DMK-led alliance, stating, "It is painful when fewer seats are allocated to us. At the same time, we understand that the alliance must accommodate numerous parties. The alliance must remain united to defeat the right wing."
MDMK Leader's Visit and Alliance Dynamics
In a related development, MDMK general secretary Vaiko visited the CPM headquarters and met with M A Baby. Vaiko later told reporters that the meeting was a personal one, as Baby is a long-time friend, highlighting the interpersonal relationships that often influence political alliances.
As the seat-sharing talks continue, the DMK-led alliance faces challenges in maintaining cohesion among its diverse partners, with the exit of TVK underscoring the delicate balance required in coalition politics ahead of the critical Assembly election.
