Congress Leaders Demand Immediate Formation of DMK Seat-Sharing Panel
In a significant development, Congress leaders have intensified pressure on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to constitute a panel for seat-sharing talks immediately. The delay on the part of the DMK in forming this crucial committee has been described as saddening by Congress representatives, who warn that it could adversely affect ground-level preparations for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections.
Congress Hardens Stance After High-Level Meeting
Following a meeting with senior leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Tuesday, Congress officials appeared to toughen their stand. They emphasized that the prolonged delay in initiating seat-sharing negotiations is creating uncertainty and hampering electoral strategies. Girish Chodankar, head of the five-member committee appointed by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) president, highlighted the urgency of the situation.
"It has been more than 70 days since the AICC president formed our committee, and over two months since we called on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on December 3," Chodankar told reporters after the meeting. "We are waiting with hope against hope that they will start the negotiation."
Concerns Over Lack of Formal Coordination Mechanism
Chodankar expressed deep concern over the absence of a formal coordination mechanism between the alliance partners, stating that it has caused anxiety among party cadres and leaders alike. "There is no negotiation committee yet, no coordination, and alliance talks have not started. Our cadres keep asking why there is no progress," he explained.
He further clarified that the Congress is not to blame for the delay, having followed up repeatedly with the DMK leadership without any tangible development. "It may appear as though we are delaying matters, but that is not the case. We have met the CM and followed it up repeatedly, but there has been no development," Chodankar added.
Election Timeline and Historical Precedents Cited
With elections approaching rapidly, Chodankar stressed that political parties require sufficient time to prepare effectively. "We are not blaming anyone. We are only stating the fact that we have been waiting for 70 days and do not know the reason for the delay," he remarked.
Echoing these concerns, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) chief K. Selvaperunthagai urged Chief Minister Stalin to constitute the panel without further delay. "Our request to the CM is to form the panel immediately. Last-minute seat allocation and election processes do not work well," he asserted.
Selvaperunthagai pointed to the delayed preparations in recent Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections as cautionary examples, noting that such last-minute arrangements often fail to yield favorable results. He confirmed that this message would be conveyed directly to Chief Minister Stalin on Wednesday, underscoring the critical need for prompt action to ensure a cohesive and well-prepared alliance campaign.
