In a significant political development, Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC) president G K Vasan has declared that his party will contest the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election on its own symbol, while operating as part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This announcement marks a strategic move for the regional party as it positions itself within the broader opposition coalition.
TMC's Symbolic Independence Within Alliance Framework
Addressing reporters in Chennai on Thursday after a crucial meeting with BJP's election in-charge Piyush Goyal, Vasan emphasized that the TMC would maintain its distinct identity by using its own electoral symbol. "In the upcoming election too, TMC would contest on a symbol of its own," he stated firmly. This decision represents continuity from past practices, as the party has previously contested elections using the bicycle symbol.
Confidence in NDA's Growing Strength
Vasan expressed strong confidence in the electoral prospects of the NDA both at the national level and within Tamil Nadu, where it is led by the AIADMK. "The NDA in the centre, and the AIADMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu has the people's trust and is emerging as a winning front," he asserted. He further noted that the alliance's appeal is expanding, with more political parties showing interest in joining its ranks.
The TMC president revealed that discussions regarding seat-sharing arrangements among alliance partners are actively underway and are expected to be finalized in the coming days. This process will be crucial for determining the electoral strategy and distribution of constituencies among coalition members.
Call for Opposition Unity Against DMK
In a pointed political message, Vasan called upon all political forces seeking to defeat the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to unite under the NDA banner. He specifically mentioned the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as potential allies who should consider joining the opposition coalition.
This appeal underscores the NDA's efforts to consolidate anti-DMK votes and present a formidable challenge in the 2026 assembly elections. The meeting between Vasan and Goyal signals ongoing coordination between regional and national partners within the alliance as they prepare for the crucial electoral battle ahead.
