Tamil Nadu Assembly election: VCK seeks 12 seats as starting point in talks with DMK

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) founder Thol. Thirumavalavan is learnt to have pitched for 12 seats as the benchmark for negotiations for the party in the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu during his meeting with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) seat-sharing committee on Monday (March 2, 2026).

Sources privy to the discussions said the VCK wanted the DMK to consider allotting 12 seats, which were given to it in the 2011 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu (10) and Puducherry (two), as the basis for the talks.

A senior leader who was a part of the discussions on Monday said, “We contested in 12 seats as part of the DMK alliance in 2011. In 2026, our party has grown tremendously. So, the party expects more than 12 seats.”

Speaking to reporters at Anna Arivalayam, the DMK headquarters in Chennai, after the seat-sharing talks, Mr. Thirumavalavan said: “The number of seats allotted to us … must reflect our party’s strength and our contribution to the alliance. We have communicated our expectations to them. We have not sought any seat in the Rajya Sabha, but we have asked for three seats in Puducherry (one general constituency and two reserved constituencies).”

He added, “Though we are of the opinion that there should be a power-sharing arrangement, we are not insisting on that aspect for this election. The discussions were cordial and we have been told that they would get back to us.”

Mr. Thirumavalavan added: “The 2026 Assembly election is not just another poll. We are committed to preventing right-wing forces from gaining a toehold in Tamil Nadu and to ensuring a comprehensive victory for the DMK-led secular alliance. We are articulating our views from the standpoint that the VCK is an integral part of the alliance.”

He also made it clear his party was not interested in bargaining with the DMK. “We held talks with the understanding that we must ensure victory for the DMK alliance, as its victory would be a victory for social justice and for Tamil Nadu,” he added.

‘Confident that Congress will remain in alliance’

Mr. Thirumavalavan further expressed confidence that, despite the uncertainties, the Congress would continue in the DMK-led alliance and that the partners would unitedly face the upcoming Assembly elections. He, however, said he could not comment on the Congress’ demand for additional seats.

“Though we are part of the same alliance, the DMK is holding talks separately with its allies and each party has placed its demands. I cannot comment on the stand of another party. They (the Congress) are making their demand on the ground that they are a political force at the national level,” he said.

He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign against the DMK government would not cut ice with the people of Tamil Nadu.