Chennai, February 22 IUML president Kader Mohideen formally requested the DMK on Sunday for five assembly constituencies for the upcoming elections.
Further, the IUML leader advocated for greater Muslim representation within the alliance, stating that 16 constituencies should be allocated to various Muslim organizations under the DMK umbrella to ensure adequate representation in the legislature.
The DMK heads the Secular Progressive Alliance for the 2026 Assembly election.
Speaking to reporters after the first round of seat-sharing talks with a DMK committee led by T R Baalu, Mohideen emphasized the role of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as more than just a political entity, describing it as a "community-based political party" representing over 60 lakh Muslim voters in Tamil Nadu.
"During Kalaignar's (M Karunanidhi) time, he gave five assembly constituencies to the IUML. We requested the current DMK leadership to allot the same number," he added.
Citing late Karunanidhi's past acceptance of this formula based on the community's presence in every one of the 234 assembly segments, Mohideen further advocated for greater Muslim representation within the alliance, stating that 16 constituencies should be allocated to various Muslim organizations under the DMK umbrella.
"Based on that, what we are saying is that 16 Muslim MLAs should go (to the assembly). We clearly communicated this to them," he said.
As the DMK leadership has pointed out the need to accommodate new entrants such as the DMDK into the fold to further strengthen the alliance, Mohideen said that four seats would also be acceptable.
"The DMK suggested that the IUML consider contesting in two seats, one less than the three seats allocated during the previous term, as the party was unable to win the three seats given in the last term," he added.
Stating that theirs is a policy-based alliance, Mohideen indicated that even though the party is yet to decide, they are willing to be flexible.
"During election times, asking for more and getting less is natural. We will be in the DMK alliance regardless of whether they give four, three, two, or even zero seats," Mohideen said.
