DMK Slams Congress’ Power-Sharing Demand: Is the Tamil Nadu Alliance Crumbling?

DMK rejects Congress' power-sharing demand

In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of Chennai, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has delivered a resounding ‘no’ to its key ally, the Indian National Congress. The point of contention? A direct and public demand from the Congress for a formal power-sharing agreement as a condition for continuing their alliance into the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. This isn’t just a minor disagreement; it’s a fundamental clash that could redefine the state’s political landscape.

The DMK, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has made its position crystal clear: it will not entertain any pre-poll conditions that dictate ministerial berths or a fixed number of seats beyond what it deems strategically necessary. This firm stance against the DMK rejects Congress power-sharing demand narrative marks a significant hardening of positions within the ruling coalition.

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The Congress Demand: What’s on the Table?

The Congress party, seeking to revive its fading fortunes in the state, has been increasingly vocal about its expectations. Reports confirm that the state unit, backed by its high command, has formally asked the DMK for a specific allocation: 38 seats out of the 234 in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, along with a guarantee of three cabinet berths in the next government .

This demand is not born out of thin air. The Congress feels its contribution to the alliance’s success in the 2021 elections—where they contested 25 seats and won 8—deserves a more substantial reward. They argue that without a guaranteed share of power, their cadre lacks motivation, and their campaign efforts will be half-hearted. For them, this is about survival and relevance in a state where their vote share has been in steady decline for decades .

DMK’s Firm Rejection and Strategic Calculus

The DMK’s response has been swift and unambiguous. Senior party sources have stated that the very notion of a coalition government being formed on the basis of such pre-determined power-sharing is “unacceptable” . The party’s leadership, particularly CM Stalin, believes that the DMK is the undisputed leader of the secular front in Tamil Nadu and should retain full control over seat allocation and government formation.

Stalin’s confidence is not unfounded. He has publicly declared his ambition for the DMK to win over 200 seats on its own in the 2026 elections, a statement that clearly signals his belief that the party can secure a massive mandate without being overly reliant on its allies . From the DMK’s perspective, conceding to Congress’s demands would set a dangerous precedent, potentially emboldening other smaller allies in the Secular Progressive Alliance to make similar claims. Their strategy is simple: offer just enough to keep allies on board without ceding any real strategic control.

Why the DMK Holds the Upper Hand

Several factors give the DMK the leverage in this standoff:

  • Electoral Dominance: The DMK is the single largest party in the state and enjoys a strong, independent voter base.
  • Leadership Image: CM M.K. Stalin’s personal approval ratings are significantly higher than any Congress leader in the state.
  • Alliance Flexibility: The DMK-led front includes other parties like the CPI(M), CPI, and VCK, who may be willing to take on more seats if Congress walks away.

A History of Alliance and Tension

The relationship between the DMK and Congress is a complex tapestry woven with threads of cooperation and conflict. While they were firm allies during the two United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regimes at the Centre, their state-level partnership has always been fraught with underlying tensions .

Historically, the Congress was the dominant force in Tamil Nadu until the rise of Dravidian politics in the late 1960s. Since then, the tables have turned dramatically. The DMK now sees itself not as a junior partner but as the principal architect of any anti-BJP, anti-AIADMK front in the state . This historical shift in power dynamics is the root cause of the current friction. The Congress’s demand is seen by many in the DMK as an attempt to reclaim a past glory that no longer exists in the current political reality.

What This Means for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections

The upcoming 2026 elections are expected to be a direct contest between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA front . The stability of these alliances will be a critical factor in determining the outcome.

If the DMK and Congress fail to resolve their differences, several scenarios could unfold:

  1. A Fractured Secular Front: A Congress walkout could lead to a three-way fight in many constituencies, splitting the anti-AIADMK vote and potentially benefiting the BJP-AIADMK combine.
  2. A Reluctant Congress: The Congress might be forced to accept a much lower seat count (reports suggest the DMK has offered around 32 seats ), leading to a demoralized campaign from its workers.
  3. A New Ally for DMK: In a more drastic move, the DMK could explore replacing the Congress with another national party or strengthen its ties with its existing left and Ambedkarite allies.

Political analysts note that while the DMK alliance remains the frontrunner, internal discord of this magnitude is a significant vulnerability that its opponents will surely exploit .

Conclusion: A Precarious Future for the Grand Alliance?

The DMK’s outright rejection of the Congress’s power-sharing demand is a defining moment for Tamil Nadu politics. It underscores the DMK’s assertion of its primacy within its own alliance and highlights the Congress’s desperate struggle for relevance. While a complete breakup before the 2026 elections seems unlikely due to the mutual need to present a united front against a common enemy, the trust between the two parties has been severely damaged. The coming months of seat-sharing negotiations will be a tense test of political will, with the future of the grand alliance hanging in a delicate balance. For the average Tamil Nadu voter, this internal squabble serves as a stark reminder that political partnerships are often built more on convenience than on principle.

Sources

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