TN polls: DMK allots 41 seats to Cong

Ending intense negotiations spread over weeks, DMK on monday allotted its key ally Congress 41 seats for the May 16 Assembly polls.

The bilateral discussions to identify the constituencies each of them would contest will begin later on Monday.

“We have signed (an agreement) that allots 41 seats to Congress,” senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad told reporters here after inking the deal with DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

Jointly addressing reporters here along with his colleague Mukul Wasnkik, TNCC chief EVKS Elangoan and DMK leaders led by party treasurer M K Stalin, Azad said they would work to emerge victorious.

The agreement comes against the background of intense bilateral discussions between the DMK and Congress. Also, TNCC held a series of discussions with its state and central leadership. 

Recently, Elangovan held talks with party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi as well over the issue.

It was decided by Tamil Nadu Congress to push for at least 45 seats and in a worst case scenario climb down a few seats and conclude the deal and it has worked out as was expected.

Azad said the rest of the seats would be shared among the DMK and other allies. “Of course, the major share, the number (of seats) will go to DMK but there are other allies also and DMK has already tied up with other political parties,” he added.