Chennai: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami, has finalised its seat-sharing formula for the upcoming 234-member Assembly elections, setting the stage for a multi-cornered electoral contest in the state.

Under the agreement, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) will contest 178 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been allotted 27 seats, while the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) will contest 18 seats. The Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) has been given 11 seats.

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The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the AIADMK headquarters in Chennai, attended by senior alliance leaders including Union Minister Piyush Goyal, BJP Tamil Nadu chief Nainar Nagendran, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, and AMMK General Secretary T. T. V. Dhinakaran.

Additional alliance developments

Separately, A. C. Shanmugam of the Puthiya Needhi Katchi (PNK) has expressed interest in contesting under the BJP symbol. He indicated willingness to fight in nine constituencies and has communicated this proposal to Piyush Goyal.

Shanmugam cited his previous electoral performances in Vellore, noting that he secured significant vote shares in past contests under both BJP and AIADMK backing.

Election timeline and political context

Tamil Nadu will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The current Assembly’s term ends on May 10.

The main contest is expected between the NDA and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance, which includes parties such as the Congress and others. The finalisation of seat-sharing marks a key milestone in the NDA’s election strategy, reflecting efforts to balance alliance interests while maximising electoral reach. With major parties now locking in their positions, campaigning is expected to intensify across the state in the run-up to polling.