Tamil Nadu Congress leaders to meet AICC in Delhi today to discuss demand for power-sharing in the State

The recent developments concerning the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) and its demand for power-sharing with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of Indian coalition politics. This situation is not merely a state-level squabble but reflects broader themes of federalism, regional party dominance, and the challenges faced by national parties in forging alliances, especially in the run-up to significant elections.

**Background Context:** The DMK and Congress have a long-standing, albeit sometimes turbulent, alliance in Tamil Nadu. Their partnership has been crucial in various elections, particularly in Lok Sabha polls, where their combined strength often proves formidable. For instance, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led alliance, which included the Congress, swept Tamil Nadu, securing 38 out of 39 seats. This alliance continued into the 2021 Assembly elections, where the DMK, under M.K. Stalin, returned to power after a decade, with the Congress being a junior partner, securing 18 seats out of the 25 it contested. The Congress's relatively modest seat share in 2021, compared to its historical presence, underscores its diminished influence in the state and its reliance on the DMK's regional might.

**What Happened:** Currently, TNCC leaders have travelled to Delhi to meet with the All India Congress Committee (AICC) to discuss their demand for a share in power within the Tamil Nadu government. This demand goes beyond mere seat-sharing for upcoming elections; it implies a desire for ministerial berths or other significant governmental roles. While reports suggest the DMK is open to allocating more seats to the Congress for future elections (more than the 25 given in 2021), it has categorically rejected the idea of power-sharing. This firm stance by the DMK highlights its confidence in its own electoral strength and its reluctance to dilute its authority within the state government.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

* **Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK):** As the dominant regional party and the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, the DMK is the primary stakeholder. Led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the party enjoys significant popular support and is keen on maintaining its political hegemony in the state. Rejecting power-sharing allows the DMK to retain full control over policy decisions and governmental appointments, crucial for fulfilling its electoral promises and strengthening its base.

* **Indian National Congress (INC) / Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC):** The Congress, a national party, seeks to revive its fortunes across India. In states where it is not the dominant force, it often aligns with regional parties. The TNCC's demand for power-sharing reflects its aspiration to gain more political leverage and a direct say in governance, which could help rebuild its organizational strength and public image in Tamil Nadu. The AICC's involvement indicates the national leadership's strategy to balance state-level aspirations with national alliance compulsions.

* **INDIA Bloc:** Both DMK and Congress are crucial components of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc, formed to challenge the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Internal friction over power-sharing or seat allocation can strain the unity of this national alliance, potentially weakening its collective fight against the ruling party.

**Why This Matters for India:** This development is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it exposes the inherent tensions within coalition politics, particularly between a dominant regional party and a national party struggling for revival. Such dynamics often play out in various states, impacting the overall stability and effectiveness of national alliances. Secondly, it underscores the strength of regional parties in India's federal structure. The DMK's firm refusal showcases the assertion of regional identity and autonomy against any perceived encroachment by a national partner. Thirdly, the outcome of these negotiations will directly influence the INDIA bloc's electoral strategy and unity in Tamil Nadu, a state with 39 Lok Sabha seats, crucial for any party aiming for power at the Centre. Strained relations here could have a ripple effect on other states where similar alliance negotiations are underway.

**Historical Context and Constitutional Provisions:** India's political history is replete with examples of coalition governments, both at the Centre (e.g., UPA I & II, NDA) and in states. The need for alliances often arises from fractured mandates, leading to complex negotiations over portfolios and policy. Constitutionally, the formation of a Council of Ministers at the state level is governed by **Article 164**, which states that the Chief Minister shall be appointed by the Governor and other Ministers shall be appointed by the Governor on the CM's advice. This article effectively gives the Chief Minister significant discretion in forming their cabinet, making power-sharing a matter of political negotiation rather than a constitutional right for alliance partners. The DMK's stance is well within the constitutional framework, as the Chief Minister has the prerogative to choose their ministers. The concept of collective responsibility of the Council of Ministers to the Legislative Assembly (Article 164(2)) also implies a cohesive unit, which can be challenging with disparate power-sharing demands.

**Future Implications:** The immediate implication will be on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. If the Congress's power-sharing demands are not met, and it feels undervalued, it could lead to discontent within the alliance, potentially impacting campaign enthusiasm or even leading to a partial fracturing, though a complete split is unlikely given the larger goal of the INDIA bloc. The DMK, on the other hand, will likely continue its strategy of accommodating the Congress with more seats while firmly holding on to governmental power. This situation also highlights the ongoing challenge for the Congress to rebuild its independent strength in states where it has become a junior partner, forcing it to decide between accepting junior roles for national alliance stability or asserting its identity at the risk of alienating allies. The outcome will set a precedent for future alliance negotiations within the INDIA bloc and beyond, influencing how national and regional parties navigate their often-conflicting aspirations.