Congress Confirms Seat-Sharing Talks with DMK Scheduled for Saturday
AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu, Girish Chodankar, has officially announced that the Congress party will be engaging in crucial seat-sharing discussions with the DMK's poll panel on Saturday. This confirmation came during a press interaction at Chennai airport on Friday, where Chodankar addressed reporters and clarified the party's stance on ongoing alliance negotiations.
Dismissal of Speculation on TVK Talks
Chodankar firmly dismissed widespread speculation that the Congress was simultaneously holding alliance talks with the Tamil Nadu-based party, TVK. He emphasized that the Congress's primary focus remains on its scheduled meeting with the DMK, stating, "On Saturday, we're having a meeting with the DMK poll panel. We will come back to you after that." When pressed further by reporters about rumors of parallel discussions involving actor-politician Vijay, Chodankar responded with a question of his own, "Why are you just speculating all of a sudden? Our talks are with DMK." This statement underscores the party's commitment to transparency and its strategic alignment with the DMK ahead of upcoming elections.
Non-Committal Stance on Rajya Sabha Seat
On the topic of a potential Rajya Sabha seat for the Congress, Chodankar adopted a non-committal approach. When a reporter referenced a statement by TNCC state president K Selvaperunthagai, who claimed that a Rajya Sabha seat had already been allotted, Chodankar clarified that the matter would be addressed during the talks. He said, "We will see what is there on the agenda during the talks with DMK." This indicates that the allocation of parliamentary seats is a key point of discussion in the ongoing negotiations, with outcomes yet to be finalized.
DMK's Outreach to Rahul Gandhi
In related developments, sources within the DMK have revealed that DMK MP Kanimozhi is awaiting an appointment to meet Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in Delhi. This move highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen the alliance between the two parties at a national level, potentially influencing the seat-sharing dynamics in Tamil Nadu. The meeting could pave the way for broader political coordination and strategy alignment ahead of the electoral process.
The upcoming talks are poised to shape the political landscape in Tamil Nadu, as both parties navigate alliance terms and seat distributions. With Chodankar's clear dismissal of alternative negotiations, the focus remains squarely on the Congress-DMK partnership, which has historically played a significant role in state politics. As discussions unfold, stakeholders will be closely monitoring outcomes that could impact election strategies and coalition dynamics in the region.
