Chennai ,22 March (H.S.):

Union Minister Piyush Goyal will arrive in Chennai on March 23 to spearhead crucial discussions on seat-sharing among constituents of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Tamil Nadu, as preparations intensify for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Despite the proximity of the polls, formal negotiations within the AIADMK-led alliance have yet to be concluded. The NDA in the state comprises the AIADMK, BJP, PMK, AMMK and IJK, among others. Goyal’s visit is expected to accelerate the decision-making process and help bridge differences among alliance partners over seat allocation.

The renewed focus on seat-sharing follows a series of high-level consultations in New Delhi. AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami recently met Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss alliance dynamics and electoral strategy. In parallel, leaders of other NDA allies, including AMMK chief T.T.V. Dhinakaran and PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss, also held separate meetings with Shah to present their demands and expectations.

Goyal’s earlier scheduled visit to Chennai last week was postponed, adding to the delay in finalising the alliance structure. With the revised visit now confirmed, he is expected to meet key stakeholders soon after his arrival and hold back-to-back discussions before returning to Delhi later in the day.

Sources indicate that the BJP is pushing to contest around 30 to 35 constituencies, with a focus on urban pockets such as Velachery, T. Nagar and Mylapore, along with select seats in western Tamil Nadu. Other alliance partners are also negotiating their share, making the talks more complex.

With nomination timelines approaching fast, Goyal’s intervention is seen as a decisive step towards finalising the NDA’s seat-sharing formula and presenting a united front in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman