The Hindu Editorial • March 06, 2026 • Read Original

One for all: On seat-sharing for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election

The DMK has managed to keep a major alliance partner happy

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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 done well by reaching an understanding without leaving room for rancour.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

After the drama that lasted over a month over the issue of for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election

Following the long and tense negotiations about dividing seats for the upcoming state elections

Part 2

the ruling DMK and its ally, the Congress

The current government party (DMK) and its old partner (Congress)

Part 3

have done

Have acted

Part 4

well

wisely or successfully

Part 5

by reaching an without leaving room for

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 Kanimozhi helped both sides iron out their differences.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Senior party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Kanimozhi

The top leaders from both parties, named Kharge, Chidambaram, and Kanimozhi

Part 2

helped

Assisted or supported

Part 3

both sides

Both political parties (DMK and Congress)

Part 4

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 deal is now key 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The deal

The agreement reached between the DMK and Congress

Part 2

Represents or stays as

Part 3

now

At this current time

Part 4

key for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) to seat-sharing with other

Very important for the alliance to finish dividing seats with its other smaller member parties

Part 5

as the Congress is the ’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 Congress should consider the allotment of 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat a fair deal.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Given that the DMK is with more smaller parties than before

Because the DMK is talking to more small political groups than it did in the past

Part 2

the Congress

The Congress party

Part 3

should consider

Ought to think or view

Part 4

the 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)

Part 5

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, it contested 25 seats, 16 lower than the 2016 tally.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the 2021

During the last state elections held in 2021

Part 2

The Congress party

Part 3

Fought or competed in

Part 4

25 seats

25 geographical areas (constituencies) where people vote for a representative

Part 5

16 lower than the 2016

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 State happened as almost all anti-BJP parties have rallied behind the DMK since then.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

significant political changes in the State

Important shifts in the political situation of Tamil Nadu

Part 2

happened

Occurred or took place

Part 3

as almost all anti-BJP parties have 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 fray had prompted some Congress leaders 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

the presence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay,

The entry of the new party (TVK), headed by the popular actor Vijay, into the election competition

Part 3

had prompted

Had encouraged or influenced

Part 4

some Congress leaders

Certain members of the Congress party leadership

Part 5

to suggest with the TVK which was open to a — an idea not acceptable to the DMK and its traditional , 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, it could offer the Congress more seats than the DMK, along with power sharing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Being a new force

Because the TVK is a new political party

Part 2

The TVK party

Part 3

could offer

Was potentially able to give

Part 4

the Congress

To the Congress party

Part 5

more seats than the DMK

A higher number of constituencies to contest than what the DMK was giving

Part 6

along with

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 ties cannot be merely viewed in terms of numbers or the pursuit of power sharing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Apart from questions about the of success of such an

Besides doubting if such a partnership would actually win the elections

Part 2

Congress-DMK ties

The relationship between the Congress and the DMK

Part 3

cannot be viewed

Should not be seen or judged

Part 4

merely

Only or just (implying there is more to it)

Part 5

in terms of numbers or the 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 party knows well the 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The national party

The Congress party (since it operates across all of India)

Part 2

knows

Understands or recognizes

Part 3

well

Thoroughly or clearly

Part 4

the importance of the regional party in its to improve its position, at the

How much it needs the DMK in its national plan to become stronger across the whole country

Part 5

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

English Original

In the general elections in 2019 and 2024, the SPA defeated the AIADMK and the BJP.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the in 2019 and 2024

During the national-level votes held in 2019 and 2024

Part 2

the SPA

The Secular Progressive Alliance (the DMK-led group)

Part 3

defeated

Won against or beat

Part 4

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, swiftly fulfilled the 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Besides

Furthermore or in addition to what was said before

Part 2

the DMK, which is against the idea of a coalition government

The DMK party, which strongly disagrees with sharing cabinet power with allies

Part 3

swiftly

Quickly or without delay

Part 4

Met or satisfied (a request or demand)

Part 5

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

Part 6

, Jammu and Kashmir’s National Conference had, last October, offered a Rajya Sabha seat to the Congress despite

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 DMK requires the Grand Old Party 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Along with its ability to 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

Part 2

the DMK

The DMK party

Part 3

requires

Needs or asks for

Part 4

the

The Indian National Congress (a common nickname for the party)

Part 5

to , at the national level, issues concerning States in general and Tamil Nadu in particular, as the BJP-led Centre tries to 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, deserve commendation for having managed the allies well, with no grievances apparent.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The and its leader, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin

The biggest state party (DMK) and its head, CM Stalin

Part 2

deserve

Should get or are worthy of

Part 3

Official praise or approval

Part 4

for having managed the allies well, with no

Because they handled the partner parties successfully without any visible complaints

Sentence 15 of 15

English Original

With a strong alliance in place, the SPA retains an edge over the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance in the State (it includes the BJP) despite anti-incumbency and a strong challenge from the TVK.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With a strong alliance in place

Because they have a solid partnership ready

Part 2

the SPA

The Secular Progressive Alliance (DMK-Congress group)

Part 3

retains

Continues to hold or keep

Part 4

An advantage or a better position

Part 5

over the AIADMK-led in the State (it includes the BJP)

Compared to the opposition group led by the AIADMK, which also has the BJP as a member

Part 6

despite 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

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 The ruling DMK and the Congress have successfully reached a seat-sharing agreement for the Tamil Nadu Assembly election after a month of negotiations.
2 Senior leaders from both parties, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Kanimozhi, played a key role in resolving differences and finalizing the deal.
3 The Congress has been allotted 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat, which is considered a fair deal given the current political situation.
4 The alliance remains strong despite the emergence of new political forces like actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
5 The DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) maintains its strength against the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance in the state.

Tone of the Editorial

Analytical

Why this tone?

The editorial provides an objective analysis of the seat-sharing deal between the DMK and Congress. It examines the numbers, the historical context of their alliance, and the impact of new political entrants like the TVK without taking a strong partisan stance. It acknowledges the strategic importance of the partnership for both national and regional political goals.

Sentence 1 of 15

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

the ruling DMK and its long-standing ally, the Congress

The current government party (DMK) and its old partner (Congress)

Part 3

have done

Have acted

Part 4

well

wisely or successfully

Part 5

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 Kanimozhi helped both sides iron out their differences.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Senior party leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge, P. Chidambaram and Kanimozhi

The top leaders from both parties, named Kharge, Chidambaram, and Kanimozhi

Part 2

helped

Assisted or supported

Part 3

both sides

Both political parties (DMK and Congress)

Part 4

iron out their differences

To resolve or settle their disagreements

Sentence 3 of 15

The deal is now key 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The deal

The agreement reached between the DMK and Congress

Part 2

Represents or stays as

Part 3

now

At this current time

Part 4

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

Part 5

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 Congress should consider the allotment of 28 Assembly seats and one Rajya Sabha seat a fair deal.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

the Congress

The Congress party

Part 3

should consider

Ought to think or view

Part 4

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)

Part 5

a fair deal

A just and reasonable agreement

Sentence 5 of 15

In the 2021 polls, it contested 25 seats, 16 lower than the 2016 tally.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the 2021 polls

During the last state elections held in 2021

Part 2

The Congress party

Part 3

contested

Fought or competed in

Part 4

25 seats

25 geographical areas (constituencies) where people vote for a representative

Part 5

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 State happened as almost all anti-BJP parties have rallied behind the DMK since then.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

significant political changes in the State

Important shifts in the political situation of Tamil Nadu

Part 2

happened

Occurred or took place

Part 3

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

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

Part 3

had prompted

Had encouraged or influenced

Part 4

some Congress leaders

Certain members of the Congress party leadership

Part 5

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, it could offer the Congress more seats than the DMK, along with power sharing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Being a new force

Because the TVK is a new political party

Part 2

The TVK party

Part 3

could offer

Was potentially able to give

Part 4

the Congress

To the Congress party

Part 5

more seats than the DMK

A higher number of constituencies to contest than what the DMK was giving

Part 6

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 ties cannot be merely viewed in terms of numbers or the pursuit of power sharing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

Congress-DMK ties

The relationship between the Congress and the DMK

Part 3

cannot be viewed

Should not be seen or judged

Part 4

merely

Only or just (implying there is more to it)

Part 5

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 party knows well the 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.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The national party

The Congress party (since it operates across all of India)

Part 2

knows

Understands or recognizes

Part 3

well

Thoroughly or clearly

Part 4

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

Part 5

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 SPA defeated the AIADMK and the BJP.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In the general elections in 2019 and 2024

During the national-level votes held in 2019 and 2024

Part 2

the SPA

The Secular Progressive Alliance (the DMK-led group)

Part 3

defeated

Won against or beat

Part 4

the AIADMK and the BJP

The main opposition alliance in the state

Sentence 12 of 15

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Besides

Furthermore or in addition to what was said before

Part 2

the DMK, which is firm against the idea of a coalition government

The DMK party, which strongly disagrees with sharing cabinet power with allies

Part 3

swiftly

Quickly or without delay

Part 4

fulfilled

Met or satisfied (a request or demand)

Part 5

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

Part 6

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

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

Part 2

the DMK

The DMK party

Part 3

requires

Needs or asks for

Part 4

the Grand Old Party

The Indian National Congress (a common nickname for the party)

Part 5

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, deserve commendation for having managed the allies well, with no grievances apparent.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Dravidian major and its leader, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin

The biggest state party (DMK) and its head, CM Stalin

Part 2

deserve

Should get or are worthy of

Part 3

commendation

Official praise or approval

Part 4

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

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

With a strong alliance in place

Because they have a solid partnership ready

Part 2

the SPA

The Secular Progressive Alliance (DMK-Congress group)

Part 3

retains

Continues to hold or keep

Part 4

an edge

An advantage or a better position

Part 5

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

Part 6

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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