In a significant political development ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections, several minor alliance partners are actively seeking permission to contest on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's (DMK) iconic 'Rising Sun' election symbol. This move is driven by a strategic calculation to gain an edge in what is anticipated to be a fiercely competitive multi-cornered contest.
The Power of the Symbol: A Look at Past Performance
The preference for the DMK's symbol is not without precedent. Historical election data reveals a clear trend: allies performing significantly better under the 'Rising Sun' banner compared to using their own party symbols. A prime example is the 2021 assembly election, where the DMK-led alliance secured a decisive victory. In that poll, the DMK itself contested 173 seats, while seven allied parties used the 'Rising Sun' symbol in 15 constituencies.
These allies, including the MDMK, MMK, KMDK, and Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi, contributed to the alliance's total tally of 141 seats. In stark contrast, allies who chose their own symbols faced setbacks. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), for instance, lost all three seats it contested on its 'ladder' symbol in Kadayanallur, Chidambaram, and Vaniyambadi.
Meanwhile, M H Jawahirullah's Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK) secured victories in both Papanasam and Manapparai constituencies by contesting on the DMK's symbol. This performance disparity has become a central point of discussion within political circles.
Shifting Allegiances and Awaiting the High Command's Nod
The group of parties now vying for the DMK's symbol includes entities with shifting political loyalties. Leaders from parties like the MJK, Mukkulathor Pulipadai, and Kongu Ilaignar Peravai had previously contested and won on the AIADMK's 'Two Leaves' symbol back in the 2011 assembly elections. Their allegiance shifted to the DMK following the demise of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.
These parties are currently awaiting a crucial decision from the DMK leadership regarding both the allocation of seats and the permission to use the 'Rising Sun' symbol. MJK leader Thamimun Ansari confirmed his party's intent to seek seats from the DMK. He stated, "Our alliance is driven by ideology and for the well-being of people of Tamil Nadu. In politics, compromises are unavoidable during times of crisis."
Ansari has been a DMK supporter since the AIADMK joined the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2019. He recently legally challenged the Election Commission's decision to de-list his party for not participating in elections for six consecutive years.
Strategic Calculations for a Multi-Cornered Fight
Sources indicate that the DMK camp itself is internally discussing the strategy of allowing potential allies to contest on its symbol. This deliberation is based on the foresight of an intense multi-cornered contest in 2026, where consolidating votes under a recognizable symbol could be advantageous.
Several minor allies have already been visibly supporting the DMK on public platforms. Former Thiruvadanai MLA S. Karunaas, who actively worked for the DMK in the Lok Sabha polls, expressed his willingness, saying, "If given a chance, I am willing to contest on the rising sun from any seat."
This sentiment is echoed by others like former Paramathi-Velur MLA U. Thaniyarasu. Furthermore, former MDMK deputy general secretary Mallai C E Sathya, who recently formed the DVK after being expelled by Vaiko, has also shown keen interest in either contesting on the 'Rising Sun' symbol or campaigning for the DMK.
One notable question mark remains over actor-politician Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), a current DMK ally. It is still unclear whether the MNM will seek to use the DMK's symbol in the upcoming 2026 electoral battle.
