Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday unveiled the seat-sharing arrangement for the ruling DMK-led alliance and released the party’s list of candidates, including those for key constituencies in Chennai, ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. He confirmed that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will contest 164 of the 234 constituencies, while allocating 70 seats to its allies.
Addressing the media, Stalin dismissed concerns over any delay in finalising the alliance, stating that the time taken was necessary to hold "patient discussions" with partners to ensure a balanced agreement.
The Congress has emerged as the principal ally with 28 seats. Other partners include Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (10), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (8), Communist Party of India (5), Communist Party of India (Marxist) (5), and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (4), along with smaller parties sharing the remaining seats.
As per the seat-sharing pact and the list of DMK candidates released by Stalin, he will seek re-election from Kolathur, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been renominated from Chepauk–Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane), reinforcing the party’s hold over key Chennai constituencies. Senior DMK leader TR Baalu earlier addressed the press on the finalisation of constituencies.
Several high-profile constituencies have drawn attention. In Coimbatore South, Minister Senthil Balaji shifts from Karur, making it a key urban battleground.
Madurai Central, Tiruchi West – represented by Minister KN Nehru – and Mannargudi, held by Minister TRB Raaja, are among prominent seats where sitting ministers will seek re-election.
Other notable contests include Dindigul for Minister I Periyasamy, Tiruverumbur for Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and Thoothukudi for Geetha Jeevan.
In the Congress quota, Velachery and Erode East return to the party, while Udhagamandalam (Ooty) is expected to witness a direct contest between the Congress and the BJP.
Other significant Congress seats include Sriperumbudur, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Sivakasi, Krishnagiri, and Kanyakumari-region constituencies such as Vilavancode and Killiyur.
Among allies, the Left parties have secured strategically relevant seats: CPI will contest in Thiruppur (North) and Bavanisagar, while CPI(M) will field candidates in Palani and Thiruvottriyur.
VCK has been allotted constituencies such as Kattumannarkovil and Thirupporur, and MDMK will contest seats including Madurai South and Sirkazhi. The DMDK will focus on pockets like Virudhunagar, Salem West, and Thiruthani.
The MK Stalin-led party is set to release its manifesto for the Tamil Nadu Assembly polls on Sunday, March 29.
The DMK’s candidate list reflects a mix of experience and fresh faces. Of the 164 nominees, over 60 are first-time candidates.
The slate includes professionals such as 29 lawyers, 17 engineers, 15 doctors, and seven PhD holders. Women candidates account for 18 seats, indicating a modest push for representation.
The announcement signals the DMK alliance’s attempt to balance continuity with renewal while consolidating its vote base across regions.
With several ministerial heavyweights, urban battlegrounds like Coimbatore South, and politically sensitive constituencies such as Ooty and Erode East in play, the electoral contest is expected to be closely watched.
The DMK-led alliance will be up against the NDA bloc led by the AIADMK in the state, who announced its seat-sharing pact just days ago.
According to the NDA deal, the AIADMK is set to contest 169 seats and the BJP 27 out of 234. Allies Pattali Makkal Katchi and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazagam have been allotted 18 and 11 seats, respectively. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami said talks were smooth and confirmed the arrangement is final.
The 234-member Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will go to polls in a single phase on April 23, while neighbouring Puducherry will go to polls for its 30 seats on April 9. The results will be announced on May 4.
