23 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Venugopal meets Stalin to discuss seat allocation for TN elections

Congress seeks more seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly poll talks.

Photo by Ahamed Sameel

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal met Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in Chennai on Sunday to begin seat-sharing talks for the 2026 Assembly elections. The Congress is expected to ask for a larger share of seats than it received in the 2021 Assembly elections, where it contested 25 seats and won 18 as part of the DMK-led alliance. T.S. Singh Deo, chairman of the Tamil Nadu Congress screening committee, accompanied Venugopal.

Earlier that day, the DMK started seat-sharing discussions with other alliance partners, including the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML). The IUML delegation, led by K.M. Kader Mohideen, requested five seats. The DMK has formed a seven-member committee, headed by party treasurer T.R. Baalu, to conduct negotiations with alliance parties. Other members of the committee include K.N. Nehru, Tiruchi Siva, A. Raja, R.S. Bharathi, E.V. Velu, and M.R.K. Panneerselvam.

The 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly is expected to have a three-way contest in 2026, with the DMK-led alliance projecting the 'Dravidian Model 2.0' against the BJP-AIADMK alliance and actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In the 2021 elections, the DMK won 133 seats, while the Congress secured 18. The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) won a total of 159 seats.

This development is crucial for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, influencing alliance dynamics and seat distribution. It is relevant for UPSC aspirants, particularly under the Polity and Governance section (GS Paper II), as it highlights coalition politics and electoral strategies in Indian states.

Key Facts

K.C. Venugopal met M.K. Stalin to discuss seat sharing.

Congress wants more seats than in the 2021 election.

DMK invited Congress for talks on February 26 or 27.

IUML has requested five seats from DMK.

DMK is also in talks with DMDK.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II (Polity and Governance): Coalition politics in India, electoral processes, role of regional parties.

GS Paper I (History): Evolution of Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu.

Essay Paper: Impact of regionalism on Indian politics.

In Simple Words

Parties team up before elections to win more seats. They decide who will run where. It's like forming a cricket team – you need to agree on who bats and bowls.

India Angle

In India, many parties join forces because no single party can win alone. This is especially true in states like Tamil Nadu, where regional parties are strong.

For Instance

Think of it like a group of friends deciding what movie to watch. Everyone has their favorite, but they need to compromise to pick one that everyone agrees on.

These deals decide who gets to be in power, which affects the laws and policies that impact your life.

In politics, teamwork makes the dream work – but everyone wants to be captain.

Congress leader K.C. Venugopal met DMK President M.K. Stalin to discuss seat sharing for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The Congress is seeking more seats than it was allotted in the 2021 elections. DMK has invited the Congress seat-sharing committee for talks on February 26 or 27. DMK is also in talks with IUML, which has requested five seats.

Expert Analysis

The upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections are witnessing the commencement of seat-sharing talks between the DMK and its allies, primarily the Congress and the IUML. Understanding the dynamics of coalition politics and the significance of seat allocation requires grasping several key concepts.

The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by the DMK, is a coalition of political parties with a shared ideological alignment. Coalitions like the SPA are formed to consolidate votes and increase the chances of electoral success. The SPA's performance in the 2021 elections, where it secured 159 seats, underscores the importance of alliance politics in Tamil Nadu. The ongoing seat-sharing talks aim to strengthen this alliance for the 2026 elections.

Seat-sharing arrangements are a critical aspect of coalition politics in India. These arrangements involve negotiations between alliance partners to determine the number of seats each party will contest. The Congress party's demand for a larger share of seats in the 2026 elections, compared to the 25 seats it contested in 2021, highlights the bargaining power of alliance partners. The DMK's formation of a seven-member committee, headed by T.R. Baalu, to conduct these negotiations indicates the seriousness with which these discussions are being approached.

The Dravidian Model, now being projected as 'Dravidian Model 2.0', is a socio-economic development model emphasizing social justice, equality, and regional autonomy. This model has been a cornerstone of DMK's governance and political ideology. By projecting 'Dravidian Model 2.0', the DMK aims to showcase its commitment to these principles and differentiate itself from the BJP-AIADMK alliance, which represents a different ideological approach.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both the Prelims and Mains examinations. Questions related to coalition politics, electoral strategies, and socio-economic models are frequently asked. Aspirants should focus on the historical context of alliance politics in Tamil Nadu, the ideological underpinnings of the Dravidian Model, and the implications of seat-sharing arrangements on electoral outcomes. This knowledge is particularly relevant for GS Paper II (Polity and Governance) and can also be useful for essay writing.

Visual Insights

Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: Key Players

Map showing Tamil Nadu, the location of the upcoming assembly elections, and highlighting the key political parties involved: DMK and Congress.

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📍Tamil Nadu

More Information

Background

Coalition politics has been a significant feature of Tamil Nadu's political landscape for decades. The state has witnessed various alliances between regional and national parties, each aiming to consolidate their vote base and secure electoral victories. These alliances are often based on shared ideologies, common interests, or strategic considerations. The DMK, founded by C.N. Annadurai in 1949, has played a pivotal role in shaping Tamil Nadu's political discourse. The party's ideology, centered around Dravidian nationalism and social justice, has resonated with a large section of the population. Over the years, the DMK has forged alliances with various parties, including the Congress, to form governments and implement its policies. The Dravidian Model of governance, emphasizing social welfare and inclusive growth, has been a key feature of these administrations. The dynamics of seat-sharing within alliances are often complex and involve intense negotiations. Parties consider factors such as their historical performance, vote share, and social base when demanding seats. The outcome of these negotiations can significantly impact the electoral prospects of each party and the overall stability of the alliance.

Latest Developments

In recent years, Tamil Nadu's political landscape has witnessed a realignment of alliances and the emergence of new political forces. The AIADMK, which was once a dominant force in the state, has faced internal challenges and a decline in its electoral fortunes. This has led to a shift in the balance of power, with the DMK emerging as the leading political party.

The BJP has been making efforts to expand its presence in Tamil Nadu, but it has faced resistance from regional parties and the state's distinct political culture. The party has been trying to forge alliances with smaller parties and capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiments. However, its success has been limited so far.

Looking ahead, the 2026 Assembly elections are expected to be a closely contested affair. The DMK-led alliance will aim to retain power by highlighting its achievements and promoting its development agenda. The BJP-AIADMK alliance will seek to challenge the DMK's dominance by raising issues of corruption and misgovernance. The entry of actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) adds another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu: 1. It is led by the AIADMK. 2. The Congress party is a constituent of the SPA. 3. The SPA secured 159 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu is led by the DMK, not the AIADMK. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Congress party is indeed a constituent of the SPA. Statement 3 is CORRECT: The SPA secured 159 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections, demonstrating its electoral strength.

2. In the context of seat-sharing arrangements in coalition politics, which of the following factors is/are typically considered by political parties? 1. Historical performance in previous elections 2. Current vote share and social base 3. Ideological alignment with alliance partners Select the correct answer using the code given below:

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 2 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the given factors are typically considered by political parties during seat-sharing negotiations. Historical performance provides an indication of a party's strength, current vote share reflects its present popularity, and ideological alignment ensures compatibility within the alliance.

3. Which of the following statements accurately describes the 'Dravidian Model' of governance?

A.It primarily focuses on economic liberalization and privatization.
B.It emphasizes social justice, equality, and regional autonomy.
C.It prioritizes religious conservatism and cultural nationalism.
D.It advocates for a centralized, unitary form of government.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The 'Dravidian Model' of governance emphasizes social justice, equality, and regional autonomy. It is rooted in the Dravidian movement's ideology, which seeks to uplift marginalized communities and promote regional identity.