Chennai, 24 March (H.S.): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday concluded its seat-sharing negotiations with the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), allocating eight Assembly constituencies to the ally as part of its poll preparations.

As per the agreement, the VCK will contest six reserved constituencies and two general constituencies. The pact was signed at Anna Arivalayam in Chennai by DMK president and Chief Minister M K Stalin and VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, marking the formalisation of another key alliance arrangement.

The negotiations had seen the VCK pressing for a higher number of seats, including a double-digit allocation and a Rajya Sabha berth, citing its electoral performance and expanding support base. However, the DMK opted for a calibrated increase, raising the party’s share from six seats in 2021 to eight this time.

In the previous Assembly election, the VCK had won four of the six seats it contested, strengthening its case for a larger share in the alliance. The latest allocation is seen as a compromise formula aimed at balancing the demands of allies while safeguarding the DMK’s own electoral interests.

With the agreement now in place, the VCK has accepted the DMK’s offer, bringing clarity to one of the key alliance negotiations ahead of the polls. The ruling party has been holding a series of discussions with its partners to finalise seat-sharing arrangements in a timely manner.

The DMK is expected to continue talks with other allies to complete its alliance structure before the nomination process begins, as parties gear up for an intense electoral contest in Tamil Nadu.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman