Manickam Tagore signals Congress likely to accept DMK alliance formula amid seat-sharing talks

Chennai: Congress MP Manickam Tagore on Wednesday strongly hinted that the party may fall in line with the leadership’s decision on a seat-sharing pact with alliance partner DMK, even as negotiations continue over constituencies for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

In a post on X amid ongoing discussions, Tagore emphasised party unity and discipline, suggesting that the Congress cadre would stand by the high command’s call on the alliance.

"Individuals may have differences, but the party is bigger than any one of us. When leadership decides, we accept it with discipline -- because unity is our greatest strength. Good Friends," the Congress MP wrote.

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His remarks come at a crucial juncture when senior Congress leader P Chidambaram met Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin at the latter’s camp office in Chennai to break the deadlock over seat sharing.

Chidambaram, accompanied by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief K Selvaperunthagai, held an hour-long discussion with Stalin. According to party sources, both sides are keen to continue the alliance, but differences persist over the number of seats to be allotted to the Congress.

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While the DMK had reportedly offered 25 seats earlier, a proposal termed “not acceptable” by Tamil Nadu in-charge Girish Chodankar, the Congress is understood to have initially sought 39 constituencies. Sources now indicate that the party may settle for around 28 seats along with two Rajya Sabha seats as part of a compromise formula.

A Congress source said a final decision is expected soon after the renewed round of talks led directly by Chidambaram at the behest of the party high command.

On the DMK side, spokesperson T K S Elangovan reiterated the ruling party’s intent to preserve the alliance. “DMK wants the alliance to continue. Talks are continuing and our leader will arrive at a good decision,” he said, adding that efforts were underway to resolve the issue amicably.

On Tuesday, Selvaperunthagai met Chidambaram before both leaders proceeded to meet Stalin. The Congress seat-sharing committee had submitted its “wish list” to the DMK last week, but the initial round of negotiations failed to yield a consensus.