Congress taps Chidambaram to lead TN-DMK seat-sharing talks

Changing its approach, the Congress high command has decided to deputize senior Tamil Nadu leader P. Chidambaram to lead seat-sharing discussions with the DMK for the upcoming Assembly elections. Previously, the job was being handled by Girish Chodankar, the AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu, who hails from Goa.

Tensions had simmered between the two parties, with the DMK pressing Congress to declare its stance by March 3, the deadline set ahead of the Rajya Sabha nomination window that closes on March 5. Sources say senior AICC leaders, including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and KC Venugopal, held a virtual meeting with Chidambaram to finalize the arrangement.

Chidambaram has already moved to engage directly, reaching the residence of Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin for discussions, accompanied by Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Selvaperunthagai. The backchannel diplomacy signals both parties’ desire to bridge gaps while navigating internal and electoral pressures.

Analysts say the decision underscores Congress’s reliance on a trusted Tamil Nadu strategist to secure a workable seat-sharing framework. As the clock ticks toward key deadlines and nominations, observers await a formal outline that could shape the political math ahead of the polls.

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