DMK-Congress Rift: India alliance broken in Tamil Nadu? DMK gives ultimatum to Congress, if you want to take 25 seats then take them, otherwise find your way.

News India Live, Digital Desk: In Tamil Nadu politics, a ‘great war’ has broken out between decades old friends DMK and Congress over seats. DMK has made it clear to Congress that it cannot give it more than 25 assembly seats and 1 Rajya Sabha seat. Sources say that DMK had given a deadline of March 3, 2026 to the Congress high command to accept this offer or choose its own path.1. 25 vs 45: The Seat Deadlock: The main bone of contention is the number of seats. This time Congress wants to increase its stake in the alliance. Congress’s demand: Congress is demanding at least 34 to 45 seats. They argue that their position in the state has strengthened and they deserve more seats than in 2021 (when they got 25 seats). DMK’s stand: Chief Minister Stalin says that this time DMDK, MNM and many other small parties have joined the alliance, which have to be allotted seats. In such a situation, it is impossible to give more seats to Congress than last time.2. Rajya Sabha seat and pressure of ‘deadline’ (Rajya Sabha Factor) Rajya Sabha elections are also a big reason behind this strict stance of DMK. Deadline of March 5: The last date for nomination for 6 Rajya Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu is March 5, 2026. Ultimatum: DMK wanted Congress to give its decision by March 3 so that the names of Rajya Sabha candidates could be decided. If Congress does not compromise, DMK may give its vacant seats to other allies.3. Will Congress join hands with Vijay’s TVK? (The TVK Threat) A strategic move is also being considered behind this ‘obstinacy’ of the Congress. Bargaining Chip: There is talk in the political circles that Congress is also in touch with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party TVK (Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam). DMK’s displeasure: The DMK leadership is quite angry with Congress using TVK as a ‘bargaining chip’ (a means of exerting pressure). 4. Entry of P. Chidambaram: Last attempt at reconciliation (Backchannel Talks) Seeing the increasing tension, the Congress high command has fielded experienced leader P. Chidambaram. Meeting: On Tuesday (March 3), Chidambaram visited Chief Minister Stalin’s residence and had a long conversation with him. Sonia Gandhi’s stance: According to sources, Sonia Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are in favor of preserving the alliance, while Rahul Gandhi and local leaders are more respectable. Are adamant on the demand for seats.5. What will be the effect of breaking the alliance? (Impact of Breakup) If this alliance breaks, its consequences can be quite far-reaching: Division of votes: Congress’ separation can increase anti-incumbency (anti-incumbency wave) for DMK. Benefit to the opposition: AIADMK and BJP will try to take advantage of this split. The Christian and Muslim vote bank, which has traditionally been with this alliance, may be confused.