DMK Leader Kanimozhi Meets Rahul Gandhi, Pushes for Early Seat-Sharing Negotiations
In a significant political development, DMK parliamentary party leader K Kanimozhi met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at his New Delhi residence on Wednesday. The meeting, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, focused primarily on initiating seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections at the earliest possible opportunity.
Cordial Discussions Ease Alliance Tensions
Leaders from both the DMK and Congress described the interaction as pleasant and cordial, with discussions extending beyond mere seat allocation to include broader power-sharing considerations. While differences over power-sharing arrangements remain unresolved, sources indicate there was mutual respect for each other's positions throughout the conversation.
A Congress insider revealed that the meeting helped ease existing tensions between the alliance partners, with Kanimozhi reportedly conveying the DMK's readiness to begin formal negotiations. Rahul Gandhi emphasized that the DMK should promptly commence seat-sharing discussions with the committee established by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge.
Timeline for Formal Negotiations
The meeting gains particular significance as it follows Tamil Nadu Congress election in-charge Girish Chodankar's recent statement about waiting nearly two months for a DMK response regarding alliance talks. Both parties have now agreed that formal negotiations will commence after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin constitutes a dedicated negotiation committee, expected to be formed in early February.
Congress general secretary KC Venugopal is likely to visit Tamil Nadu during the first week of February to participate in these crucial discussions, according to party sources. The Wednesday meeting specifically focused on initiating the negotiation process rather than discussing specific seat numbers, indicating a strategic approach to alliance building.
Addressing Internal Party Dynamics
This high-level interaction assumes added importance amid reports of certain Congress factions advocating for a larger share of seats and even proposing coalition government arrangements. Some state Congress leaders had publicly expressed support for actor Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam as a potential alternative alliance partner, reflecting underlying unease within the party structure.
However, the DMK has firmly rejected proposals for power-sharing beyond the established alliance framework. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai expressed confidence that we will together arrive at a good solution, suggesting optimism about reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
Future Campaign Plans and Significance
The meeting has effectively reaffirmed the DMK-Congress alliance and put to rest speculation about potential rifts between the long-standing partners. Once the alliance framework is finalized, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to campaign extensively across Tamil Nadu, though their planned January visit for village committee meetings was postponed due to delays in concluding seat-sharing arrangements.
This diplomatic engagement between Kanimozhi and Rahul Gandhi represents a crucial step toward solidifying the opposition alliance in Tamil Nadu, setting the stage for structured negotiations that will determine the electoral strategy for both parties in the upcoming state elections.
