Tamil Nadu assembly polls: DMK-CPM seat-sharing talks inconclusive

Chennai: The seat-sharing talks between DMK and CPM remain inconclusive even after three rounds of talks, as CPM stood firm on its demand of more seats compared to the 2021 assembly election.

Speaking to reporters after the talks with the DMK panel on Tuesday, CPM state secretary Shanmugam said the talks were "smooth" but he stood firm on his demand. "We have reiterated our demand of additional seats to the DMK's seat-sharing committee and they informed us that they will speak to chief minister M K Stalin and will get back," Shanmugam said. In 2021, CPM contested in six seats and won two.




CPI, on the other hand, decided to agree to DMK's demand of five seats. CPI state secretary M Veerapandian said they had agreed to settle for five seats offered by DMK.

Initially, both CPM and CPI sought more than 10 seats from the DMK alliance for the upcoming election. After DMK explained their difficulty in allocating more seats to accommodate new alliance partners, CPM gradually reduced the numbers but has been insisting on `one seat more than 2021 election.' Shanmugam said the DMK had asked them to "sacrifice a seat" for the sake of accommodating new alliance partners, but he has not agreed to their demand.

However, Shanmugam expressed hope that an amicable solution would be reached. "We will continue the talks and there is no deadlock. We will try to complete the seat-sharing talks in a couple of days. We still have time left," Shanmugam said. Asked about the CPM's decision if DMK refuses to give additional seats, Shanmugam said his party will decide on the future course.