Tamil Nadu CM says coalition intact ahead of 2026 polls, seat talks to begin Feb 22
February 11, 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has rejected speculation of friction within the DMK-Congress alliance, asserting that the partnership remains strong as the state heads toward the 2026 Assembly elections. Speaking at a media roundtable, Stalin said there is “no confusion” in the coalition and accused political opponents of attempting to manufacture divisions. Emphasising his close ties with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said the alliance would contest the polls together, adding that the question of power sharing does not arise at this stage. In 2021, the DMK formed the government independently with 133 seats, while Congress won 18 of the 25 seats it contested without securing cabinet representation.
However, the Congress has this time indicated it expects a larger role if the alliance returns to power. TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai and AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar have publicly backed power sharing, with reports suggesting discussions on cabinet berths, Rajya Sabha nominations and seat allocation. Formal negotiations are scheduled to begin on February 22, and the Congress has constituted a five-member panel to oversee talks, urging early discussions to avoid last-minute hurdles.
Amid reports that the Congress is seeking at least 40 seats, senior DMK leader T.K.S. Elangovan denied claims of pressure, saying neither the national nor state Congress leadership was coercing the party. The political developments come as the BJP-led NDA consolidates opposition forces, with the AIADMK rejoining the alliance along with AMMK and PMK. Despite the churn, Stalin expressed confidence that the DMK would return to power with a stronger mandate, maintaining that alliance unity remains firmly intact.