CPM Seeks More Seats in DMK Alliance for 2026 Tamil Nadu Elections; Final Decision Expected Closer to Polls

As Tamil Nadu begins gearing up for the 2026 Assembly elections, alliance dynamics are already taking shape. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPM], a long-standing ally of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), has publicly voiced its desire for a greater share of seats in the upcoming polls.

CPM Pushes for a Better Deal in 2026

CPM's State Secretary, P Shanmugam, announced on Tuesday that the party expects an improved seat allocation in 2026 compared to recent elections. Recalling past performances, he noted that the CPM contested 13 seats in the 2006 Assembly elections and secured victories in 9 constituencies. However, in the 2021 polls, the party was allocated only 6 seats and managed to win 2.

The statement reflects growing pressure within the alliance as political equations continue to evolve in the state.

New Players, New Equations

The demand from CPM comes in the backdrop of new entrants and political re-alignments. Actor-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), which has recently joined the DMK-led alliance, is also expected to seek a fair share of constituencies. MNM had supported the DMK in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and now eyes electoral representation in 2026.

Adding another layer to the evolving alliance scene, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and popular actor Vijay has openly stated that his party is willing to share power with future allies if elected to govern. This announcement is widely seen as a strategy to woo partners from the DMK bloc and complicates seat-sharing talks even further.

DMK Responds: Seat-Sharing Will Be Finalized Later

In response to the CPM's demand, a senior DMK leader remarked that it is natural for allies to negotiate for more seats. However, he clarified that final decisions will only be made closer to the elections. "The leadership of both parties will sit together and decide at the appropriate time," the leader added.

This aligns with DMK’s traditional approach of negotiating alliance terms strategically as elections near.

Alliance Strength vs. DMK Majority Goal

The DMK-led alliance has seen significant electoral success in recent years, having swept the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the 2021 state elections, and most recently, the 2024 general election in Tamil Nadu. However, the ruling party is also keen on contesting enough seats on its own to potentially secure a simple majority in the 234-member Assembly.

This balancing act between strengthening the alliance and ensuring individual party dominance makes seat-sharing negotiations a delicate exercise. Political observers believe the party must navigate carefully to accommodate its allies without compromising its electoral strategy.

Conclusion

As the countdown to 2026 begins, the internal dynamics within the DMK-led coalition will play a pivotal role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s political narrative. With key allies like the CPM making early moves and new forces like MNM and TVK altering the political landscape, the road to the next assembly election promises to be both strategic and closely watched.