Chennai : 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. 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.
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. Other significant Congress seats include Sriperumbudur, Cuddalore, Mayiladuthurai, Sivakasi, Krishnagiri, and Kanyakumari-region constituencies such as Vilavancode and Killiyur.
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 DMK’s candidate list reflects a mix of experience and fresh faces. Of the 164 nominees, over 60 are first-time candidates.
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