Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: DMK president Stalin offers only five seats, CPI (M) seeks more time to discuss
The Hindu
CPI(M) negotiates with DMK over seat allocation for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, aiming for six seats amid alliance talks.
On a day when Tamilaga Vazhurimai Katchi leader T. Velmurugan exited the DMK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu, the CPI(M) left a small window of opportunity open on Sunday (March 22, 2026) afternoon, saying it would revisit the DMK’s offer of only five seats for the upcoming Assembly elections on April 23.
CPI (M) State secretary P. Shanmugam told journalists in Chennai, his party had met DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to explain its State Committee’s decision to contest in six seats.
“But the Chief Minister has asked us to accept five seats, as new parties have joined the alliance. We will again discuss the Chief Minister’s suggestion in our State Secretariat meeting and convey our decision to him,” Mr. Shanmugam said after meeting Mr. Stalin.
The CPI(M) secretariat meeting is likely to be held on Sunday evening or Monday (March 23).
He said the State Committee and Secretariat meetings held on Saturday (March 21) had decided there was no need to increase the stake beyond six. The party’s general secretary, M.A. Baby, attended the meeting.
Mr. Shanmugam said the Chief Minister had explained to the CPI(M) seat-sharing committee the difficulties in parting with more seats.
Residents of Tiruttani constituency seek enhanced support for livelihoods, highlighting issues in agriculture, weaving, and temple management.
Opposition MPs and activists voice strong concerns against proposed amendments to the Transgender Persons Act at a Delhi hearing.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy intends to shape the party’s future with young faces
Iran-Israel war: Follow the latest updates from The Hindu on the West Asia war, on March 22, 2026
Karnataka plans delegation to Union government for Mahadayi basin project clearances and seeks water release from Maharashtra.
Ekante Bliss hosted a walkathon in Tirupati to promote health, community engagement, and support social impact initiatives.
Maharashtra raises commercial LPG supply by 20% to 50% of pre-crisis levels, benefiting hotels and food-related businesses.
Mumbai police arrest eighth suspect in Rohit Shetty residence firing case, linking the incident to the Shubham Lonkar gang.
Governor Arlekar emphasizes that justice must embody human values, fairness, and accessibility for all citizens at VIT conference.
Justice Bhuyan emphasizes the judiciary's role as impartial, condemning reckless criminal cases and advocating for dissent and fair bail practices.
Vijay announces candidates for all 30 Puducherry Assembly segments as TVK prepares to contest independently on April 9.
Kerala LDF ministers declare assets nearing ₹2 crore each amid upcoming elections, revealing financial details and legal challenges.
Sunil Ambekar of RSS discusses organisational changes and initiatives to unify India and address social challenges in an exclusive interview.