As the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections draw closer, the Indian National Congress (INC) has sent a clear message to its ally, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK): "We're ready, are you?" This comes amid ongoing seat-sharing negotiations between the two parties for the upcoming polls, expected to be held in April or May of 2026.

The Congress party has publicly reaffirmed its commitment to the alliance with the DMK, a partnership that is crucial for the Secular Progressive Alliance's (SPA) strategy against the AIADMK-BJP fronts. However, this declaration of readiness also hints at the underlying tensions and expectations within the coalition.

According to sources, the DMK is likely to initiate formal seat-sharing talks with its allies, including the Congress, in the second week of February. While the DMK hopes to bring in more partners to strengthen the SPA, the Congress is determined to secure a respectable number of seats to contest.

Reports suggest that the Congress is eyeing around 70 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, identifying areas where they have a strong base and better prospects. Meanwhile, a DMK leader stated that the party might offer around 27 or 28 assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha berth to Congress. This is slightly higher than the 25 seats Congress contested in the 2021 elections, where they won 18. However, the Congress is reportedly aiming for 35 to 40 seats.

Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, DMK's deputy general secretary, has confirmed that discussions are underway with the Congress party, although a formal committee to discuss seat-sharing has not yet been formed. She clarified that the final decision on the number of constituencies will be made by the negotiation committee, and any inclusion of new parties in the alliance will be announced by Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Tamil Nadu Congress President K. Selvaperunthagai has denied any rift within the DMK-Congress alliance, stating that it is "functioning smoothly". He expressed confidence that the Congress would be allocated the seats they have requested, with the final decision resting with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and the party's high command.

The DMK and Congress have a long history of electoral alliances, often complementing each other's strengths. In the 2021 assembly elections, the DMK contested in 188 constituencies and won 133. The presence of the Congress in the DMK-led coalition has been a recurring topic in political discussions, especially with the seat-sharing arrangement yet to be finalized.

As the election approaches, the dynamics between the DMK and Congress will be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Tamil Nadu. The Congress's assertive stance indicates their determination to play a significant role in the alliance and secure a favorable outcome in the upcoming elections.