DMK takes tough stand, not to allocate Coimbatore seat to CPI-M

The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu has declined to allocate the Coimbatore Lok Sabha seat to the CPI-M for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. After discussions, DMK leaders stated they may not allot the seat, insisting the CPI-M should be content with Madurai and another seat.

The DMK, led by T.R. Baalu, is firm on not giving the Coimbatore seat to the CPI-M, which had won both Madurai and Coimbatore seats in the 2019 polls as part of the DMK-led alliance. The decision comes as Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan is expected to be fielded as a DMK alliance candidate in either Coimbatore or Chennai.

Kamal Haasan, founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), lost in the 2021 Assembly elections in Coimbatore South. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, MNM’s Dr. Mahendran secured 16% of the votes without an alliance. These factors are crucial for DMK while considering the Coimbatore seat allocation, as the CPI-M insists on both Madurai and Coimbatore seats.

A potential third round of meetings between the CPI-M and DMK is set for Monday, with seat sharing likely to be finalized then. This decision could have significant implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Tamil Nadu.