The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) has sought five constituencies in seat-sharing negotiations with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, though the ruling party has so far offered only two seats, sources said.
Formal discussions began on Sunday at the DMK headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, under the banner of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).
IUML leader Kader Mohideen said the party had formally requested five seats and insisted that at least four constituencies be allotted. “We have asked for five seats and stressed that a minimum of four should be given to us,” he told the media.
In the previous Assembly elections, the IUML contested three seats but failed to win any.
The DMK has constituted a seven-member committee to oversee seat-sharing negotiations with alliance partners. The panel is headed by senior party leader and MP T. R. Baalu and includes Ministers K. N. Nehru, E. V. Velu and M. R. K. Panneerselvam, along with MPs Tiruchi Siva and A. Raja and organising secretary R. S. Bharathi.
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The IUML delegation, led by Mohideen, was the first alliance partner to hold formal talks with the DMK leadership. According to Mohideen, Baalu indicated that the number of seats allocated to allies may be lower this time compared to the previous election.
Mohideen said the IUML had also sought reconsideration of seat distribution in three constituencies and suggested adjustments in certain segments as part of the ongoing negotiations. He added that the party was keen to secure adequate representation in local body elections as well.
Despite pressing for more seats, the IUML reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance. “Whether it is five seats, three seats, or even two seats, it is not an issue. Whatever number of seats we are allotted, we will continue in the DMK alliance,” Mohideen said.
The DMK is expected to invite other alliance partners for discussions shortly as it seeks to finalise the seat-sharing formula ahead of its state conference scheduled for March 8.
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