Lok Sabha Polls: DMK Concludes Seat-Sharing Talks With VCK & MDMK, Reaffirms 2019 Formula

Thirumavalavan informed reporters that VCK would contest from Chidambaram and Villupuram, the same seats it currently represents in the Lok Sabha.

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu finalised seat-sharing agreements with allies Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections 2024 on Friday.

VCK received two seats, both reserved constituencies, while MDMK was granted one seat. Thol Thirumavalavan, the founder of VCK, and Vaiko, the founder of MDMK, finalised and signed the seat-sharing agreement with DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin at the ruling party headquarters, Anna Arivalayam, in Chennai, according to a report on PTI.

Thirumavalavan informed reporters that VCK would contest from Chidambaram and Villupuram, the same seats it currently represents in the Lok Sabha. VCK initially sought three seats, including one in the general category, but decided to settle for two reserved constituencies to ensure the success of the DMK-led alliance.

The party will run its candidates using its own symbol, the earthen pot, and has appealed to the Election Commission to assign it as a general symbol. The request comes as the party intends to field nominees in approximately 15 seats across Karnataka, Kerala, and Telangana, he stated, as per the report.

MDMK founder Vaiko stated that while the seat-sharing agreement has been reached, the specific constituency for his party's contest will be announced later. He expressed satisfaction with the arrangement finalised with Stalin.

The DMK had previously allocated a Lok Sabha constituency and a Rajya Sabha seat to MDMK during the 2019 polls. Regarding the Rajya Sabha seat, Vaiko mentioned that there were no discussions as his tenure in the Upper House still had 15 months.

So far, the DMK has finalised seat-sharing agreements with allies CPI (M), CPI, IUML, and KMDK, in addition to VCK and MDMK. However, negotiations with the Congress are still pending.

The DMK, leading the multi-party Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu, swept the 2019 polls, winning 38 out of 39 LS seats in the state, along with the sole Puducherry segment.