VCK Asks for 4 Lok Sabha Seats in Polls; DMDK Clarifies 14-Seat Demand

In the lead-up to the Lok Sabha polls, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol Thirumavalavan announced on Monday that his party, a key member of the alliance led by Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK, is seeking to contest four seats, including one general seat.

Thirumavalavan stated, “We have sought four constituencies—three reserved constituencies and one general constituency—from the DMK.” Speaking outside the DMK headquarters in Chennai, he emphasized the VCK’s contribution to the alliance and its efforts to strengthen the opposition bloc against the BJP.

The VCK MP explained that his party had submitted a list of preferred constituencies to a committee led by DMK MP TR Baalu. The list includes Chidambaram, Villupuram, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur as reserved constituencies, along with Perambalur, Mayiladuthurai, and Kallakurichi as general constituencies.

He added that after further discussions, the VCK would decide whether to contest under the DMK’s rising sun symbol, similar to the 2019 elections.

Meanwhile, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) general secretary Premalatha Vijayakanth clarified misconceptions regarding her party’s demands. She dismissed reports suggesting that the DMDK had demanded 14 Lok Sabha seats for alliance participation. Premalatha asserted that discussions were transparent and that the initiative for seat-sharing talks should come from the alliance leader, whether it be the DMK, AIADMK, or BJP.

Premalatha also addressed rumors about her party seeking a Rajya Sabha seat, noting that it was reasonable for the DMDK, like other parties in the state, to expect representation in Parliament.

The statements from both parties underscore the ongoing negotiations and complexities surrounding seat-sharing arrangements as Tamil Nadu gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.