Tamil Nadu Polls: NDA Announces Seat Formula, AIADMK to Contest 178 Seats, BJP 27

The National Democratic Alliance has finalised its seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, along with the polling schedule, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in the state.

NDA finalises seats and poll dates

Elections for all 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase on April 23, while neighbouring Puducherry will vote for its 30-member Assembly earlier on April 9.

As per the agreement within the NDA, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will contest the lion’s share of 178 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party has been allocated 27 constituencies, while the Pattali Makkal Katchi will field candidates in 18 seats and the Amma Makkal Munnettra Kazhagam in 11. Talks with smaller allies are still underway, with a few seats yet to be finalised.

AIADMK confident of leading alliance

AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami said the negotiations within the alliance concluded smoothly and described the NDA as a strong and united front. He expressed confidence that the alliance would perform strongly across the state, asserting that the AIADMK is well-positioned to return to power.

He also dismissed speculation about post-poll arrangements, maintaining that the party expects to secure enough seats to form the government on its own while heading the alliance.

War of words with ruling DMK

Taking aim at the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, Palaniswami accused the government of being uncomfortable with NDA leaders’ political engagements in Delhi. He questioned similar visits by DMK leaders, sharpening the political exchange ahead of the polls.

BJP sharpens attack on DMK-Congress

Union Minister Piyush Goyal also targeted the DMK and its ally Congress, predicting a defeat for the ruling combine. He argued that voters in several states have already rejected the opposition bloc and suggested that Tamil Nadu could follow the same trend.

Goyal said the NDA campaign would focus on governance, development, and opportunities for youth and women. He projected the alliance as an alternative capable of delivering growth and stability in the state.

Campaign gears up

With seat-sharing largely settled and campaign lines drawn, the AIADMK-BJP-led National Democratic Alliance is preparing for an intense electoral battle in Tamil Nadu, positioning itself as a united front aiming to challenge the incumbent government.