The congress has moved decisively to settle weeks of speculation about its political positioning in tamil Nadu ahead of the 2026 assembly elections.
A new five-member committee has been formed to initiate structured alliance talks with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), signalling the party’s commitment to remaining within the ruling coalition.
This decision is seen as the party’s clearest recent indication that it intends to maintain continuity in the alliance rather than explore alternatives.
Formation of a Five-Member Panel
The committee will be headed by Girish Raya Chodankar, the AICC in-charge for tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
Members include K. Selvaperunthagai (TNCC president), Rajesh Kumar (Assembly floor leader), and karnataka leaders Nivedith Alva and Suraj Hegde.
According to reports, a formal announcement of the panel is expected shortly.
The team’s mandate is to formalise discussions with the DMK on alliance terms and seat-sharing arrangements for the 2026 polls.
DMK Sought Clarity Amid Speculation
The DMK leadership reportedly approached the congress High Command to seek clarity after internal discussions within tamil Nadu congress circles suggested exploring ties with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).
According to senior functionaries, this speculation had become disruptive and risked destabilising coalition dynamics.
A key member of the DMK’s first family met AICC president mallikarjun Kharge and LoP rahul Gandhi, conveying chief minister M.K. Stalin’s request for a swift reaffirmation of the alliance.
Congress leaders indicated that an official communication reconfirming support for the DMK-led alliance will be sent to stalin soon.
Seat-Sharing and Coalition Role Discussions
Talks between the congress and DMK will address the seat-sharing formula for the 2026 assembly elections.
Discussions will also cover the Congress’s role in a future coalition government.
Both parties are reportedly optimistic that negotiations will progress smoothly.
History and Changing Seat Allocations
The Congress-DMK partnership has been largely stable since 2004, except in the 2014 lok sabha elections.
Congress seat allocations have shifted over time: 48 seats in 2006, a rise to 63 in 2011, followed by reductions to 41 in 2016 and 25 in 2021, the lowest so far.
With new negotiations beginning, the panel’s creation signals the Congress’s intent to present a united front in a crucial electoral year.
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