Tamil Nadu Assembly election: MMK to contest on DMK’s ‘Rising Sun’ symbol

Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), an ally of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), held talks with the latter’s seat-sharing committee for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on Monday (February 23, 2026) at Anna Arivalayam, Chennai.

M.H. Jawahirullah, the party’s leader and MLA, said the MMK had in 2021 contested in two seats — Papanasam and Manapparai — and won both. “Our party has roots in all districts. This time, we have sought five seats. The committee told us that our demand would be brought to the notice of [DMK president] Chief Minister M.K. Stalin,” he said.

Mr. Jawahirullah added, as in the previous election, his party would contest this time, too, on the ‘Rising Sun’ symbol of the DMK.

He said the MMK had held a conference in Madurai to highlight the dwindling representation of Muslims in State Legislatures and Parliament. “We are pressing for 16 seats for all Muslim parties in the DMK alliance,” he said.

MDMK seeks more seats

Leaders of Vaiko’s Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) also held talks with the DMK seat-sharing committee, headed by party treasurer T.R. Baalu.

The MDMK said it sought more seats, as well as a Rajya Sabha seat. The party said it would contest on its own symbol.