CHENNAI (Feb 24, 2026) — Tensions have surfaced in the DMK-Congress alliance as Chief Minister MK Stalin reportedly rejected Congress' demands for a share in power and a larger slice of the assembly seat pie.

The Stalemate

• Seat Count: Congress is lobbying for 41 seats, citing their 2021 success rate. The DMK, however, refuses to go beyond 25–27 seats, arguing they have a larger pool of allies to satisfy.
• No Coalition Government: Stalin has flatly denied any power-sharing arrangement, prioritizing a "stable" single-party cabinet over a coalition.
• Potential Olive Branch: To ease the friction, the DMK is expected to concede one Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress.

Strategic Pressure

The DMK’s hardline stance comes amid rumors that Vijay’s TVK has offered the Congress up to 70 seats. Despite this, the DMK remains skeptical of Congress' grassroots strength, preferring to keep the alliance tight to avoid "weak candidates" in a close contest.