Seat Sharing Sparks Tensions in Tamil Nadu's DMK and AIADMK Alliances
Political parties within both the DMK-led and AIADMK-led fronts are actively competing with their own allies for the same assembly seats across various regions of Tamil Nadu. This internal rivalry highlights the complex dynamics of coalition politics as the state gears up for upcoming elections.
DMK Alliance Faces Internal Rivalry
Within the DMK-led alliance, the competition extends beyond the Madurai North assembly segment, where the Congress and the DMK are currently sparring. In Trichy, Congress functionaries have been urging their party high command to request the Trichy East segment, which is currently represented by the DMK. Congress MP Manickam Tagore has already demanded Madurai North, where the sitting MLA is G Thalkapathy from the DMK. Meanwhile, Trichy urban district president L Rex has informed senior party leaders that the Congress has better electoral prospects in Trichy East.
Another flashpoint has emerged in Harur, located in Dharmapuri district, where two DMK allies, the CPM and the VCK, are both seeking the seat. Harur, which boasts a significant Dalit electorate, played a crucial role in the defeat of PMK leader Sowmya Anbumani during the 2024 Lok Sabha election, as Dalit voters largely supported the DMK. The VCK aims to capitalize on this voting pattern, even though Harur is a general constituency. Conversely, the CPM is striving to regain Harur, a seat it has won four times in past assembly elections, including a by-poll.
Additionally, the Indian Union Muslim League, another ally of the DMK, has expressed interest in Ambur, currently held by the DMK. The DMK leadership is also conducting a review of the allocation of certain segments, such as Kovilpatti, to its allies.
NDA Alliance Sees Similar Struggles
On the NDA side, former state president Tamilisai Soundararajan has shown keen interest in the T Nagar assembly segment. However, AIADMK's B Sathya Narayanan has also been actively working within this constituency. As a result, Soundararajan is exploring Mylapore as an alternative, according to a BJP source.
In the western belt, the AIADMK is determined to retain the Singanallur seat in Coimbatore, which it won in 2021. Nevertheless, the BJP has deployed former state president K Annamalai to campaign in the area, signaling the party's interest in contesting the seat. Political analysts note that parties typically vie for seats based on their traditional strengths in respective segments. They often attempt to leverage recent developments, such as the Thiruparankundram karthigai deepam controversy.
While AIADMK MLA VV Rajan Chellapa has been nurturing the Thiruparankundram segment, BJP leaders perceive an opportunity here and are eyeing it closely. Union minister L Murugan has been appointed as the party's campaign in-charge for this constituency.
Analysts Weigh In on Alliance Dynamics
"It is routine in assembly elections for allies to push for constituencies where winning chances appear higher," stated political analyst R Deepak. "In the NDA, the BJP, which has stitched the alliance together and is exhibiting a big-brother approach, may push harder this time, backed by improved performance in western districts in 2024 and a larger booth-level presence compared to 2021. This could sharpen friction with the AIADMK, as their perceived strongholds often overlap."
This internal competition underscores the strategic calculations and potential conflicts within political alliances as they navigate seat-sharing agreements in Tamil Nadu's vibrant electoral landscape.
