He added that internal confusion exists within the opposition DMK alliance, particularly regarding the future of their partnership with Congress.
“We have formed a resurgent alliance in Tamil Nadu, and the AIADMK-led NDA will ensure victory in the upcoming Assembly election, and the AIADMK will form the government,” the AIADMK general secretary was quoted as saying by PTI.
Following his March 2 meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the political situation in the state, Palaniswami confirmed to reporters that seat-sharing negotiations with partners would begin shortly.
He noted that since the official election schedule hasn’t been released yet, there is no rush and added, “We will begin the seat-sharing talks with our allies.”
The former Chief Minister hinted at the growth of the NDA, stating that discussions are underway with several other parties who are likely to join the coalition soon.
When questioned about a potential alliance with V K Sasikala’s newly formed party, Palaniswami dismissed the idea, clarifying that no such discussions took place.
Reports indicate that the BJP is seeking at least 35 seats and one Rajya Sabha seat.
However, sources within the national capital suggest the BJP’s ambitions are actually much higher, with demands ranging between 50 and 56 seats, reported The New Indian Express.
The Indiya Jananayaka Katchi (IJK) has already initiated talks, identifying seven constituencies it wishes to contest in the upcoming Assembly election in the state.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK has issued a Tuesday ultimatum for Congress to accept an offer of 25 assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha berth for the 2026 elections, or face the potential reallocation of seats to the DMDK.
If Congress fails to respond by tonight, the DMK plans to move forward independently on Wednesday by announcing its own Rajya Sabha candidates and allocating one seat to its new ally, the DMDK.
Despite Congress reducing its initial demand for 41 seats, the DMK remains firm on a maximum of 28, with the impending March 5 deadline for Rajya Sabha nominations necessitating a swift decision.
In a conversation with the Deccan Herald, a top DMK source said, “In normal course, we are the first party to announce nominees for RS elections, but we are forced to declare the names at the last minute due to seat-sharing for assembly elections. Since the nominations end on Thursday, we can’t wait beyond Tuesday and this has been conveyed to the Congress leadership.”
The delay has sparked rumours that Congress might abandon its partnership with the DMK to join forces with actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK).
As per the Congress sources, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Sonia Gandhi supported the continuation of the coalition with the DMK, while Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi is still undecided. “We expect a decision by Tuesday. But the DMK has told multiple Congress leaders that they won’t wait beyond Tuesday for RS seat,” a senior Congress leader was quoted as saying by DH.
“The current offer is 25 plus a RS berth which is not acceptable to us. We came down from 39 to 34 and we cannot go below this. The DMK has to meet us half way and not use RS elections to seal the deal. We waited for over 80 days for the talks to start and the DMK cannot expect us to decide in three days,” another senior Congress leader stated.
