The DMK-led alliance, comprising 26 political parties, has allocated 66 seats to allies, marking the final phase of consolidation ahead of the high-stakes Tamil Nadu polls 2026.

Under the DMK seat-sharing agreement, the Indian National Congress has been allotted 28 seats, emerging as the largest ally in the front. The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) will contest eight seats, while the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) have been given five seats each.

The Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) has secured four seats, while the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) and the Humanist People's Party have been allotted two seats each.

'Rising Sun' symbol strategy signals alliance unity

In a strategic move, Chief Minister M K Stalin announced that candidates from both the DMK and its allies will collectively contest 175 Assembly constituencies under the party's 'Rising Sun' symbol, underscoring unity within the alliance.

In a letter to party cadres, Stalin said the seat-sharing process was conducted through extensive consultations to ensure a balanced and democratic distribution of constituencies. He added that accommodating new alliance partners required careful planning to maximise electoral prospects.

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DMK highlights governance record and 'Dravidian model'

Stalin highlighted the achievements of the DMK government over the past five years, stating that the "Dravidian model of governance" has restored growth and stability in Tamil Nadu after what he described as a decade of setbacks under the previous All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) regime.

He credited alliance partners for supporting policies focused on social justice, secularism, state rights, and inclusive development, key themes in the Tamil Nadu election campaign 2026.

Strong grassroots participation in candidate selection

The DMK chief also pointed to the scale of internal participation in candidate selection, revealing that over 16,500 aspirants attended interviews conducted between March 17 and 23. He described the process as evidence of the party's organisational strength and internal democracy.

Call for unity across 234 constituencies

Calling for unity, Stalin urged party workers to support all alliance candidates regardless of party affiliation.

"All 234 Assembly constituencies are ours," he said, stressing the need for coordinated campaigning to secure victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026.

With DMK alliance seat-sharing finalised, the focus now shifts to campaign mobilisation, as the ruling front projects a united stance in what is expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.

IANS