EPS says stand-off with DMK over seats may split T.N. Cong.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi. K. Palaniswami on Sunday said the stand-off between the DMK and the Congress over seat-sharing for the coming Assembly election and the latter’s demand for a share in power indicated that the situation might lead to yet another split in the national party at the State level.

When asked if differences in the Congress over choosing an alliance partner (between the DMK and the TVK) would lead to a split similar to how it chose to align with the AIADMK for the 1996 Assembly election, Mr. Palaniswami said reports from various quarters suggested the same. “The views of the Congress leaders on various demands and the contesting views expressed by the second-rung leaders of the DMK indicate the same. DMK MP Kanimozhi met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi recently. But, they could not find a solution. The Congress formed a committee to discuss seat-sharing with the DMK. But the seat-sharing talk is yet to begin,” he told reporters at the Tiruchi airport.

On Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s assertion that the NDA would get nothing in the Assembly election, Mr. Palaniswami said it was for the people to decide the winners and losers, which will be known only after the counting of votes. But they had already decided to dethrone the DMK, and the AIADMK would form the government with an absolute majority, he said.

Asked whether the AIADMK alliance would be formed before the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was slated to address a meeting in Madurai on March 1, Mr. Palaniswami said the alliance led by his party had already taken shape with the inclusion of the PMK (Anbumani faction) and the AMMK, and that talks were under way with more parties. Their inclusion would take place in the run-up to the election.

On the verdict of the Madras High Court that refused to set aside the ₹1.5 crore penalty imposed on the TVK founder and actor Vijay for not having voluntarily disclosed an additional income of Rs.15 crore, Mr. Palaniswami said it was an example that Mr. Vijay was corrupt.

‘Waiting for 36 days’

Congress MP Manickam Tagore, who has of late been criticising the DMK, said the national party had been patiently waiting for for the DMK to begin seat-sharing talks. “The AICC formed the committee for seat-sharing on December 3, 2025, and we have been patiently waiting for 36 days. Congress never disrespects its allies,” he told journalists in Madurai.

However, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai played down the remarks saying the process of seat-sharing talks with the DMK was in progress, as in past elections. The talks would begin soon and the Congress has put forth its demands in a friendly manner, he added.  “We have absolutely no differences of opinion with the DMK. Our alliance has won multiple elections in the past in Tamil Nadu and it would continue,” he exuded confidence.

When asked about Mr Tagore’s remarks, he said “being a democratic party, we permit our leaders to voice their opinions. But, they should know their limits.”

He questioned why should they talk about seat-sharing issue before the media. “Is the media going to help us in seat-sharing process,” he asked adding, “All the wishes should be put forth through the right channel.”