Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on March 06, 2026
One for all: On seat-sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election
The DMK has managed to keep a major alliance partner happy
Tamil Nadu Assembly ElectionDMK-Congress AllianceSeat SharingSecular Progressive AllianceTamil Nadu Politics
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 15
English Original
After the drama that lasted over a month over the issue of seat sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election,the ruling DMK and its long-standing ally, the Congress,have donewellby reaching an understanding without leaving room for rancour.
After the drama that lasted over a month over the issue of seat sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election
Following the long and tense negotiations about dividing seats for the upcoming state elections
SubjectWho/What
the ruling DMK and its long-standing ally, the Congress
The current government party (DMK) and its old partner (Congress)
VerbWhat is happening
have done
Have acted
AdjunctAdditional info
well
wisely or successfully
AdjunctAdditional info
by reaching an understanding without leaving room for rancour
By making an agreement without causing any bitterness or ill-feeling
Context and Background
The DMK-Congress Alliance
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Indian National Congress have been partners in the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu for several years. This partnership has been successful in previous elections (2019, 2021, 2024), but negotiations for seat sharing often involve intense bargaining as both parties try to maximize their share of constituencies.
Sentence 2 of 15
English Original
Senior party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Kanimozhihelpedboth sidesiron out their differences.
Simple PastS + V + O + ComplementMain ClauseSimple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
Senior party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Kanimozhi
The top leaders from both parties, named Kharge, Chidambaram, and Kanimozhi
VerbWhat is happening
helped
Assisted or supported
ObjectWhat receives action
both sides
Both political parties (DMK and Congress)
ComplementCompletes meaning
iron out their differences
To resolve or settle their disagreements
Context and Background
Key Political Figures
Mallikarjun Kharge is the President of the Indian National Congress. P. Chidambaram is a senior Congress leader and former Union Minister from Tamil Nadu. Kanimozhi is a prominent DMK Member of Parliament and the sister of DMK chief M.K. Stalin. Their involvement indicates the high priority given to the alliance by both party leaderships.
Sentence 3 of 15
English Original
The dealisnowkey for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) to finalise seat-sharing with other constituents,as the Congress is the coalition’s second-largest member.
The agreement reached between the DMK and Congress
VerbWhat is happening
is
Represents or stays as
AdjunctAdditional info
now
At this current time
ComplementCompletes meaning
key for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) to finalise seat-sharing with other constituents
Very important for the alliance to finish dividing seats with its other smaller member parties
AdjunctAdditional info
as the Congress is the coalition’s second-largest member
Because the Congress party is the biggest group in the alliance after the DMK
Context and Background
The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA)
The SPA is a political coalition in Tamil Nadu led by the DMK. It includes various parties like the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), VCK, MDMK, and others. Finalizing the deal with the largest ally (Congress) first is a strategic move that helps the DMK set a benchmark for negotiations with smaller parties.
Sentence 4 of 15
English Original
Given that the DMK is negotiating with more smaller parties than before,the Congressshould considerthe allotment of 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seata fair deal.
Given that the DMK is negotiating with more smaller parties than before
Because the DMK is talking to more small political groups than it did in the past
SubjectWho/What
the Congress
The Congress party
VerbWhat is happening
should consider
Ought to think or view
ObjectWhat receives action
the allotment of 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat
Giving 28 positions in the state assembly and one position in the national elders’ house (Rajya Sabha)
ComplementCompletes meaning
a fair deal
A just and reasonable agreement
Context and Background
Seat Allocation in Coalitions
In coalition politics, larger parties like the DMK must balance the demands of many allies. The Rajya Sabha seat refers to a seat in the upper house of the Indian Parliament, which is highly valued as it provides national representation. 28 seats in a 234-member assembly is roughly 12% of the total seats.
Sentence 5 of 15
English Original
In the 2021 polls,itcontested25 seats,16 lower than the 2016 tally.
25 geographical areas (constituencies) where people vote for a representative
AdjunctAdditional info
16 lower than the 2016 tally
Which was 16 seats less than the number they fought for in 2016
Context and Background
Historical Context (2016 and 2021)
In 2016, the Congress contested 41 seats but won only 8, leading to criticism that it was ‘dead wood’. Consequently, in 2021, the DMK significantly reduced the Congress’s quota to 25 seats. The current allotment of 28 seats for 2026 shows a slight increase, indicating a more favorable negotiation for the Congress.
Sentence 6 of 15
English Original
But,significant political changes in the Statehappenedas almost all anti-BJP parties have rallied behind the DMK since then.
Simple Past / Present PerfectS + V + AdjunctMain Clause + Subordinate ClauseComplex Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
significant political changes in the State
Important shifts in the political situation of Tamil Nadu
VerbWhat is happening
happened
Occurred or took place
AdjunctAdditional info
as almost all anti-BJP parties have rallied behind the DMK since then
Because nearly all parties opposed to the BJP have come together to support the DMK since 2021
Context and Background
Anti-BJP Consolidation
Since the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, there has been a strong consolidation of secular and regional parties in Tamil Nadu under the leadership of M.K. Stalin. This unity aims to challenge the BJP’s attempts to gain a foothold in the state, making the DMK the central pole of Tamil Nadu politics.
Sentence 7 of 15
English Original
Although the Congress and the DMK have contested elections together since 2016, with much success,the presence of the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, in the frayhad promptedsome Congress leadersto suggest aligning with the TVK which was open to a coalition regime — an idea not acceptable to the DMK and its traditional adversary, the AIADMK.
Although the Congress and the DMK have contested elections together since 2016, with much success
Even though these two parties have been winning elections as partners for nearly ten years
SubjectWho/What
the presence of the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, in the fray
The entry of the new party (TVK), headed by the popular actor Vijay, into the election competition
VerbWhat is happening
had prompted
Had encouraged or influenced
ObjectWhat receives action
some Congress leaders
Certain members of the Congress party leadership
ComplementCompletes meaning
to suggest aligning with the TVK which was open to a coalition regime — an idea not acceptable to the DMK and its traditional adversary, the AIADMK
To propose joining hands with the TVK because they were willing to share government power, a concept that both the DMK and AIADMK disliked
Context and Background
The TVK Factor and Coalition Government
Actor Vijay’s TVK has proposed a ‘coalition government’ (power-sharing in the cabinet), which is a significant departure from Tamil Nadu’s history of single-party cabinets. Both the DMK and AIADMK prefer to keep all cabinet posts to themselves, offering only outside support or non-cabinet roles to allies. The Congress’s internal debate about joining TVK was a pressure tactic during seat-sharing talks with the DMK.
Sentence 8 of 15
English Original
Being a new force,itcould offerthe Congressmore seats than the DMK,along with power sharing.
A higher number of constituencies to contest than what the DMK was giving
AdjunctAdditional info
along with power sharing
In addition to giving them ministerial positions in the government
Sentence 9 of 15
English Original
Apart from questions about the probability of success of such an electoral tie-up,Congress-DMK tiescannot bemerelyviewedin terms of numbers or the pursuit of power sharing.
Apart from questions about the probability of success of such an electoral tie-up
Besides doubting if such a partnership would actually win the elections
SubjectWho/What
Congress-DMK ties
The relationship between the Congress and the DMK
VerbWhat is happening
cannot be viewed
Should not be seen or judged
AdjunctAdditional info
merely
Only or just (implying there is more to it)
AdjunctAdditional info
in terms of numbers or the pursuit of power sharing
Based only on the number of seats gathered or the goal of getting ministerial posts
Sentence 10 of 15
English Original
The national partyknowswellthe importance of the regional party in its scheme of things to improve its position, at the all-India level,if not get back to the original strength.
During the national-level votes held in 2019 and 2024
SubjectWho/What
the SPA
The Secular Progressive Alliance (the DMK-led group)
VerbWhat is happening
defeated
Won against or beat
ObjectWhat receives action
the AIADMK and the BJP
The main opposition alliance in the state
Sentence 12 of 15
English Original
Besides,the DMK, which is firm against the idea of a coalition government,swiftlyfulfilledthe Congress’s demand for Rajya Sabha seats — now and in 2022;in contrast, Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference had, last October, offered a Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress despite unfavourable numbers.
Furthermore or in addition to what was said before
SubjectWho/What
the DMK, which is firm against the idea of a coalition government
The DMK party, which strongly disagrees with sharing cabinet power with allies
AdjunctAdditional info
swiftly
Quickly or without delay
VerbWhat is happening
fulfilled
Met or satisfied (a request or demand)
ObjectWhat receives action
the Congress’s demand for Rajya Sabha seats — now and in 2022
The Congress party’s request for positions in the Parliament’s upper house, both recently and four years ago
AdjunctAdditional info
in contrast, Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference had, last October, offered a Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress despite unfavourable numbers
On the other hand, a party in North India (NC) gave the Congress a seat even though they didn’t have enough votes to easily do so
Context and Background
The DMK
The DMK’s decision to ‘swiftly’ give Rajya Sabha seats to the Congress is a way to compensate for the limited number of Assembly seats given. By referencing the National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir, the editorial points out that other regional allies are also making sacrifices to keep the Congress within the national opposition bloc.
Sentence 13 of 15
English Original
Along with its ability to transfer the most number of votes from Scheduled Castes and religious minorities in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts,the DMKrequiresthe Grand Old Partyto flag, at the national level, issues concerning States in general and Tamil Nadu in particular, as the BJP-led Centre tries to limit the space for States.
Along with its ability to transfer the most number of votes from Scheduled Castes and religious minorities in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts
Besides being able to make its loyal voters (from backward groups and minorities) vote for the Congress in the South
SubjectWho/What
the DMK
The DMK party
VerbWhat is happening
requires
Needs or asks for
ObjectWhat receives action
the Grand Old Party
The Indian National Congress (a common nickname for the party)
ComplementCompletes meaning
to flag, at the national level, issues concerning States in general and Tamil Nadu in particular, as the BJP-led Centre tries to limit the space for States
To raise awareness in Delhi about state-related problems and Tamil Nadu’s specific issues, while the central government tries to reduce state powers
Sentence 14 of 15
English Original
The Dravidian major and its leader, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin,deservecommendationfor having managed the allies well, with no grievances apparent.
Simple PresentS + V + O + AdjunctMain ClauseSimple Sentence
Phrase Breakdown
SubjectWho/What
The Dravidian major and its leader, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
The biggest state party (DMK) and its head, CM Stalin
VerbWhat is happening
deserve
Should get or are worthy of
ObjectWhat receives action
commendation
Official praise or approval
AdjunctAdditional info
for having managed the allies well, with no grievancesapparent
Because they handled the partner parties successfully without any visible complaints
Sentence 15 of 15
English Original
With a strong alliance in place,the SPAretainsan edgeover the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance in the State (it includes the BJP)despite anti-incumbency and a strong challenge from the TVK.
The Secular Progressive Alliance (DMK-Congress group)
VerbWhat is happening
retains
Continues to hold or keep
ObjectWhat receives action
an edge
An advantage or a better position
AdjunctAdditional info
over the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance in the State (it includes the BJP)
Compared to the opposition group led by the AIADMK, which also has the BJP as a member
AdjunctAdditional info
despite anti-incumbency and a strong challenge from the TVK
Even though some people may be unhappy with the current government and there is a big threat from Vijay’s party
Context and Background
Election Dynamics 2026
The 2026 Tamil Nadu elections are expected to be a three-way or four-way contest. The SPA (DMK-led) is the incumbent alliance, while the NDA (AIADMK-BJP led) is the main opposition. The entry of actor Vijay’s TVK adds a new dimension, potentially cutting into the vote shares of both major alliances, particularly among the youth.
Sentence 1 of 15
Sentence 1 of 15
After the drama that lasted over a month over the issue of seat sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election,the ruling DMK and its long-standing ally, the Congress,have donewellby reaching an understanding without leaving room for rancour.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
After the drama that lasted over a month over the issue of seat sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election
Following the long and tense negotiations about dividing seats for the upcoming state elections
Subject
the ruling DMK and its long-standing ally, the Congress
The current government party (DMK) and its old partner (Congress)
Verb
have done
Have acted
Adjunct
well
wisely or successfully
Adjunct
by reaching an understanding without leaving room for rancour
By making an agreement without causing any bitterness or ill-feeling
Sentence 2 of 15
Senior party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Kanimozhihelpedboth sidesiron out their differences.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Senior party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Kanimozhi
The top leaders from both parties, named Kharge, Chidambaram, and Kanimozhi
Verb
helped
Assisted or supported
Object
both sides
Both political parties (DMK and Congress)
Complement
iron out their differences
To resolve or settle their disagreements
Sentence 3 of 15
The dealisnowkey for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) to finalise seat-sharing with other constituents,as the Congress is the coalition’s second-largest member.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The deal
The agreement reached between the DMK and Congress
Verb
is
Represents or stays as
Adjunct
now
At this current time
Complement
key for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) to finalise seat-sharing with other constituents
Very important for the alliance to finish dividing seats with its other smaller member parties
Adjunct
as the Congress is the coalition’s second-largest member
Because the Congress party is the biggest group in the alliance after the DMK
Sentence 4 of 15
Given that the DMK is negotiating with more smaller parties than before,the Congressshould considerthe allotment of 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seata fair deal.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Given that the DMK is negotiating with more smaller parties than before
Because the DMK is talking to more small political groups than it did in the past
Subject
the Congress
The Congress party
Verb
should consider
Ought to think or view
Object
the allotment of 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat
Giving 28 positions in the state assembly and one position in the national elders’ house (Rajya Sabha)
Complement
a fair deal
A just and reasonable agreement
Sentence 5 of 15
In the 2021 polls,itcontested25 seats,16 lower than the 2016 tally.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In the 2021 polls
During the last state elections held in 2021
Subject
it
The Congress party
Verb
contested
Fought or competed in
Object
25 seats
25 geographical areas (constituencies) where people vote for a representative
Adjunct
16 lower than the 2016 tally
Which was 16 seats less than the number they fought for in 2016
Sentence 6 of 15
But,significant political changes in the Statehappenedas almost all anti-BJP parties have rallied behind the DMK since then.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
significant political changes in the State
Important shifts in the political situation of Tamil Nadu
Verb
happened
Occurred or took place
Adjunct
as almost all anti-BJP parties have rallied behind the DMK since then
Because nearly all parties opposed to the BJP have come together to support the DMK since 2021
Sentence 7 of 15
Although the Congress and the DMK have contested elections together since 2016, with much success,the presence of the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, in the frayhad promptedsome Congress leadersto suggest aligning with the TVK which was open to a coalition regime — an idea not acceptable to the DMK and its traditional adversary, the AIADMK.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Although the Congress and the DMK have contested elections together since 2016, with much success
Even though these two parties have been winning elections as partners for nearly ten years
Subject
the presence of the fledgling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, in the fray
The entry of the new party (TVK), headed by the popular actor Vijay, into the election competition
Verb
had prompted
Had encouraged or influenced
Object
some Congress leaders
Certain members of the Congress party leadership
Complement
to suggest aligning with the TVK which was open to a coalition regime — an idea not acceptable to the DMK and its traditional adversary, the AIADMK
To propose joining hands with the TVK because they were willing to share government power, a concept that both the DMK and AIADMK disliked
Sentence 8 of 15
Being a new force,itcould offerthe Congressmore seats than the DMK,along with power sharing.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Being a new force
Because the TVK is a new political party
Subject
it
The TVK party
Verb
could offer
Was potentially able to give
Indirect Object
the Congress
To the Congress party
Object
more seats than the DMK
A higher number of constituencies to contest than what the DMK was giving
Adjunct
along with power sharing
In addition to giving them ministerial positions in the government
Sentence 9 of 15
Apart from questions about the probability of success of such an electoral tie-up,Congress-DMK tiescannot bemerelyviewedin terms of numbers or the pursuit of power sharing.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Apart from questions about the probability of success of such an electoral tie-up
Besides doubting if such a partnership would actually win the elections
Subject
Congress-DMK ties
The relationship between the Congress and the DMK
Verb
cannot be viewed
Should not be seen or judged
Adjunct
merely
Only or just (implying there is more to it)
Adjunct
in terms of numbers or the pursuit of power sharing
Based only on the number of seats gathered or the goal of getting ministerial posts
Sentence 10 of 15
The national partyknowswellthe importance of the regional party in its scheme of things to improve its position, at the all-India level,if not get back to the original strength.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The national party
The Congress party (since it operates across all of India)
Verb
knows
Understands or recognizes
Adjunct
well
Thoroughly or clearly
Object
the importance of the regional party in its scheme of things to improve its position, at the all-India level
How much it needs the DMK in its national plan to become stronger across the whole country
Adjunct
if not get back to the original strength
Even if they cannot become as powerful as they once were in the past
Sentence 11 of 15
In the general elections in 2019 and 2024,the SPAdefeatedthe AIADMK and the BJP.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
In the general elections in 2019 and 2024
During the national-level votes held in 2019 and 2024
Subject
the SPA
The Secular Progressive Alliance (the DMK-led group)
Verb
defeated
Won against or beat
Object
the AIADMK and the BJP
The main opposition alliance in the state
Sentence 12 of 15
Besides,the DMK, which is firm against the idea of a coalition government,swiftlyfulfilledthe Congress’s demand for Rajya Sabha seats — now and in 2022;in contrast, Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference had, last October, offered a Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress despite unfavourable numbers.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Besides
Furthermore or in addition to what was said before
Subject
the DMK, which is firm against the idea of a coalition government
The DMK party, which strongly disagrees with sharing cabinet power with allies
Adjunct
swiftly
Quickly or without delay
Verb
fulfilled
Met or satisfied (a request or demand)
Object
the Congress’s demand for Rajya Sabha seats — now and in 2022
The Congress party’s request for positions in the Parliament’s upper house, both recently and four years ago
Adjunct
in contrast, Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference had, last October, offered a Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress despite unfavourable numbers
On the other hand, a party in North India (NC) gave the Congress a seat even though they didn’t have enough votes to easily do so
Sentence 13 of 15
Along with its ability to transfer the most number of votes from Scheduled Castes and religious minorities in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts,the DMKrequiresthe Grand Old Partyto flag, at the national level, issues concerning States in general and Tamil Nadu in particular, as the BJP-led Centre tries to limit the space for States.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Along with its ability to transfer the most number of votes from Scheduled Castes and religious minorities in Tamil Nadu’s southern districts
Besides being able to make its loyal voters (from backward groups and minorities) vote for the Congress in the South
Subject
the DMK
The DMK party
Verb
requires
Needs or asks for
Object
the Grand Old Party
The Indian National Congress (a common nickname for the party)
Complement
to flag, at the national level, issues concerning States in general and Tamil Nadu in particular, as the BJP-led Centre tries to limit the space for States
To raise awareness in Delhi about state-related problems and Tamil Nadu’s specific issues, while the central government tries to reduce state powers
Sentence 14 of 15
The Dravidian major and its leader, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin,deservecommendationfor having managed the allies well, with no grievances apparent.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Dravidian major and its leader, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
The biggest state party (DMK) and its head, CM Stalin
Verb
deserve
Should get or are worthy of
Object
commendation
Official praise or approval
Adjunct
for having managed the allies well, with no grievances apparent
Because they handled the partner parties successfully without any visible complaints
Sentence 15 of 15
With a strong alliance in place,the SPAretainsan edgeover the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance in the State (it includes the BJP)despite anti-incumbency and a strong challenge from the TVK.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
With a strong alliance in place
Because they have a solid partnership ready
Subject
the SPA
The Secular Progressive Alliance (DMK-Congress group)
Verb
retains
Continues to hold or keep
Object
an edge
An advantage or a better position
Adjunct
over the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance in the State (it includes the BJP)
Compared to the opposition group led by the AIADMK, which also has the BJP as a member
Adjunct
despite anti-incumbency and a strong challenge from the TVK
Even though some people may be unhappy with the current government and there is a big threat from Vijay’s party
Reading Comprehension
Practice questions based on this editorial
Reading Comprehension - Seat-sharing in Tamil Nadu
Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about seat-sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
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