DK Shivakumar: The 56-year-old Vokkaliga strongman who ensured defeat for BJP's BS Yeddyurappa

After weeks of intense negotiations, the Congress party has reached a seat-sharing agreement with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Under the final arrangement, Congress will contest 28 seats, an increase from the 25 seats it fought in the 2021 elections, and will also receive one Rajya Sabha seat.Earlier, Congress had demanded 34 seats, an additional Rajya Sabha berth and a share in power, but these demands were rejected by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who maintained that the coalition government model does not work in the state.The negotiations had triggered tensions within the alliance, with several Congress leaders publicly pushing for a larger share. Senior leader P Chidambaram later stepped in to mediate, holding direct talks with Stalin that helped finalize the deal. The arrangement was subsequently approved by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.The development comes amid changing political dynamics in Tamil Nadu, including the emergence of actor Vijay’s new political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, which has drawn attention in the state’s political landscape.With the agreement now sealed, the DMK-Congress alliance will focus on campaigning for the upcoming elections as the ruling party aims to secure a second consecutive term in power.