NEW DELHI: With the Tamil Nadu assembly election approaching, political activity in the state has intensified, with major alliances consolidating and parties recalibrating strategies based on past performance and evolving voter dynamics. The contest is expected to once again centre around the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA front, though the BJP is attempting to expand its footprint.The AIADMK on Monday finalised seat sharing with its key allies, allotting 27 seats to the BJP, 18 to the PMK faction led by its president Anbumani Ramadoss, and 11 to TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK, wrapping up negotiations among major constituents of the opposition front for the assembly polls.Israel Iran WarUS-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: Amazon Web Services ‘disrupted’ following drone attack in Bahrain; Saudi, UAE mull joining Iran warGulf Allies Edge Toward Conflict: Saudi grants US base access; UAE shuts Iranian assetsPossible US-Iran Talks In Islamabad: White House calls situation ‘sensitive’ and ‘fluid’; oil prices tumbleIn the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly election, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 159 out of 234 seats, returning to power after a decade. The DMK itself won 133 seats with a vote share of around 36.8%. Its principal ally, the Indian National Congress (INC), won 18 seats with a vote share of about 4.4%.On the other side, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led alliance managed 75 seats, with the AIADMK winning 66 seats and securing roughly 33.3% vote share. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contesting as part of the AIADMK alliance, won 4 seats with a vote share of approximately 2.6%.Smaller players also played a role in shaping outcomes. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) secured 5 seats, while the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), aligned with DMK, won 4 seats. Left parties including the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) won 2 seats each, contributing to the DMK-led bloc’s overall tally.The vote share split highlighted a bipolar contest, with the DMK-led alliance collectively polling close to 45%, while the AIADMK-led front secured around 39%, indicating a relatively consolidated anti-incumbency vote against the then AIADMK government.As the state heads into the next election cycle, alliances are once again fluid. The DMK is expected to retain its core coalition with Congress, Left parties, and VCK, banking on welfare schemes and governance record. The AIADMK, meanwhile, is navigating internal challenges and alliance uncertainties, particularly after shifts in its relationship with the BJP.The BJP, despite its modest vote share, is attempting to emerge as a more influential player by contesting on more seat this time aiming to convert its incremental vote gains into seats.What is at stake in the upcoming election is not just power in one of India’s most politically distinct states, but also the future trajectory of Dravidian politics, which has historically resisted national party dominance. While the DMK will seek to defend its mandate, the AIADMK faces the challenge of rebuilding leadership coherence, and the BJP will test whether its expansion strategy can disrupt Tamil Nadu’s entrenched political binary.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAre Trump’s Iran Announcements Driven By Market Manipulation?; Trump Calls Modi To Discuss Iran WarIAF’s Biggest Aircraft Deal Progress To Replace Aging Fleet , C-130J, C-390 And A400M In RaceUS President Trump Dials PM Modi Amid West Asia Conflict, Discusses Strait Of HormuzIndia’s Rafale Marine Deal May Move Faster Than Planned With Trainer Arrival: Reports’India Indispensable To Asia’: Donald Trump’s War Envoy Colby Signals US Shift Amid West Asia CrisisGovt Calls All-Party Meeting To Discuss West Asia Conflict Amid Opposition Uproar”Foreign Policy Is Compromised…” Rahul Gandhi Blasts PM Modi Over West Asia CrisisDelhi Budget: Rekha Gupta Govt Promises Free LPG Cylinders Twice A Year Amid Rising Energy CostsPM Narendra Modi Reveals How Much Oil India Has As West Asia War Disrupts Global Oil SuppliesPM Modi Urges Peace, De-escalation As India Engages Iran, Israel And US To Resolve Energy Crisis123PhotostoriesChennai airport phase-2 international terminal to open by December, set to handle 35 million passengers annually10 foods that were once illegal around the world and why they were bannedDivyanka Tripathi-Vivek Dahiya to become parents after 10 years of marriage: From meeting when she was heartbroken to becoming life partners–Their love storyFrom gold to copper: 5 smart metal investments to make this NavratriRanveer Singh’s Car Collection: Top 5 cars owned by the actor‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’: All about Sara Arjun, Ranveer Singh’s leading lady in the filmPresident Droupadi Murmu loves Rice Cheela for breakfast: 5 other Odia breakfast dishes that are truly comfortingTesseract: The Geometry of Truth by The Times of India: Honouring the tapestry of art and imagination5 yoga asanas that are good for your heartTravelling in a War Zone: How to stay safe and 5 crucial things to keep in mind123Hot PicksTrump Iran DealMohammad Bagher GhalibafSan Francisco AirportGold rate todayIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays March 2026Bank Holidays MarchTop TrendingGolden state warriors vs dallas mavericks injury reportPatrick MahomesJoe MazzullaColombian Military Plane CrashBrittany MahomesWWE Raw News RoundupSilver Rate TodayRajasthan 8th Class ResultTrump Iran DealBihar Board Science Topper
NEW DELHI: With the Tamil Nadu assembly election approaching, political activity in the state has intensified, with major alliances consolidating and parties recalibrating strategies based on past performance and evolving voter dynamics. The contest is expected to once again centre around the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA front, though the BJP is attempting to expand its footprint.The AIADMK on Monday finalised seat sharing with its key allies, allotting 27 seats to the BJP, 18 to the PMK faction led by its president Anbumani Ramadoss, and 11 to TTV Dhinakaran-led AMMK, wrapping up negotiations among major constituents of the opposition front for the assembly polls.In the 2021 Tamil Nadu assembly election, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led alliance secured a decisive victory, winning 159 out of 234 seats, returning to power after a decade. The DMK itself won 133 seats with a vote share of around 36.8%. Its principal ally, the Indian National Congress (INC), won 18 seats with a vote share of about 4.4%.On the other side, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led alliance managed 75 seats, with the AIADMK winning 66 seats and securing roughly 33.3% vote share. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contesting as part of the AIADMK alliance, won 4 seats with a vote share of approximately 2.6%.Smaller players also played a role in shaping outcomes. The Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) secured 5 seats, while the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), aligned with DMK, won 4 seats. Left parties including the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) won 2 seats each, contributing to the DMK-led bloc’s overall tally.The vote share split highlighted a bipolar contest, with the DMK-led alliance collectively polling close to 45%, while the AIADMK-led front secured around 39%, indicating a relatively consolidated anti-incumbency vote against the then AIADMK government.As the state heads into the next election cycle, alliances are once again fluid. The DMK is expected to retain its core coalition with Congress, Left parties, and VCK, banking on welfare schemes and governance record. The AIADMK, meanwhile, is navigating internal challenges and alliance uncertainties, particularly after shifts in its relationship with the BJP.The BJP, despite its modest vote share, is attempting to emerge as a more influential player by contesting on more seat this time aiming to convert its incremental vote gains into seats.What is at stake in the upcoming election is not just power in one of India’s most politically distinct states, but also the future trajectory of Dravidian politics, which has historically resisted national party dominance. While the DMK will seek to defend its mandate, the AIADMK faces the challenge of rebuilding leadership coherence, and the BJP will test whether its expansion strategy can disrupt Tamil Nadu’s entrenched political binary.