Chennai: The heat for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections is already rising. The ruling DMK is set to officially begin seat-sharing negotiations with its allies from the second week of February. Expanding the 'Secular Progressive Alliance' (SPA) further is a key part of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s master plan.

Key Highlights:

* Deadline: The goal is to complete the seat-sharing process before the party’s massive state-level conference in Tiruchirappalli on March 8.

* Committee Formation: DMK will constitute a special committee of senior leaders this week to hold discussions with alliance partners.

* First Invitation: Following tradition, talks will commence with the Congress first, followed by invitations to other parties.

Resolution of Friction Between Congress and DMK?

Minor friction had surfaced between the Congress and DMK due to the delay in forming the negotiation committee. However, CM Stalin has reassured that the "alliance remains united." The Congress has already prepared its five-member committee and is waiting to bargain for the final numbers.

Potential Seat-Sharing Estimates:

The DMK is reportedly looking to allocate seats based on the 'Strike Rate' (winning percentage) of the partners.

| Party | Potential Seats | Special Note |

Congress | 27 - 28 Offer includes 1 Rajya Sabha seat. (Congress demand: 35-40)

VCK | 08 Likely to get 2 more seats than last time.

Left Parties | 06 Each Same number of seats as last time for CPI and CPI(M).

DMDK | 06? | Invited to join; however, Premalatha Vijayakanth is insisting on a double-digit figure.

DMK Sets Sights on DMDK!

The DMK is making behind-the-scenes efforts to draw the late actor Vijayakanth’s DMDK into the alliance. While an offer of 6 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha berth has been made, DMDK chief Premalatha's insistence on a double-digit seat count has piqued interest in political circles. Clarity on the exact number of seats for each party will emerge after the first round of talks scheduled for the second week of February.