Chennai, February 22 The ruling DMK of Tamil Nadu began discussions with allies on Sunday regarding the distribution of seats for the upcoming Assembly elections, scheduled for April. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal also met with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin at his residence in Alwarpet.
According to sources from the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, during the approximately 45-minute meeting, Venugopal informed Stalin about his party's expectations and the constituencies they wished to contest.
The talks between Stalin and Venugopal took place in the context of the recent meeting between DMK leader Kanimozhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi regarding seat-sharing.
Additionally, the meeting followed demands from a section of state Congress leaders seeking a share in power, with Chief Minister Stalin ruling out such an arrangement, stating that it would not be suitable for Tamil Nadu.
Before the talks began, when asked about Congress's demands, Venugopal responded with "wait and see." Leaders such as TNCC President K. Selvaperunthagai and DMK's Kanimozhi were also present.
On Sunday, the DMK initiated seat-sharing discussions by holding talks with their long-time ally, the IUML, which sought 5 seats, while the DMK offered 2 seats, citing the need to accommodate more allies.
The DMK leads the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu, and its constituents include the Congress, DMDK, Left parties, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK).