The DMDK's indecisiveness over which major Dravidian party to ally with in Tamil Nadu, has brought the alliance talks of the DMK to a screeching halt. The party, led by MK Stalin has received wishlists from smaller parties including the VCK, MDMK, CPI and CPI (M) but is yet to call them in for official discussions.
TNM had earlier reported that the DMK had asked the Congress to give up two of its seats in order to accommodate the DMDK's demand for 5 seats. But the Congress is likely to refuse this, despite being the party which is insisting on the alliance with the DMDK. The DMK had announced last week that the Congress will get nine seats in Tamil Nadu and one in Puducherry.
"They have not called us for any discussion yet. It was supposed to happen on Wednesday," reveals a VCK leader.
Currently the smaller parties are all demanding two seats each but the DMK can at the maximum offer only one seat. The MDMK which was demanding four seats has now said that it must atleast get two. The CPI, CPI (M), VCK, IUML and TVK have all demanded two seats as well.
"All these parties can be given only one seat because the DMK is looking to contest atleast 25," points out a source in the DMK. "Except the TVK the other may get one each. We will not be giving the TVK any seats now but we will tie up with them for Assembly polls," he adds.
But if the DMDK is ready to join the alliance, the seats for the smaller parties may further reduce. The Congress, meanwhile, continues to insist that the DMDK is of great importance to the alliance.
"The DMDK is definitely important and their inclusion will make a difference to the alliance. But at this point talks are still underway," points out a Congress leader.
But the DMK, is not completely onboard.
"The Congress wants to make it look like a numerically bigger alliance," says the DMK source. "But we are not sure how it will translate on ground."
Meanwhile, the DMDK is also holding talks with the ruling AIADMK as it negotiates seats to join the alliance that includes BJP, and the PMK.