DMK-Congress deal: the leaders who were instrumental in breaking the stalemate

If the DMK and Congress on Wednesday night managed to move past a tense phase in their seat-sharing negotiations, it is thanks to the sustained efforts of Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, former Union Minister P. Chidambaram, DMK Parliamentary Party leader Kanimozhi, and Congress MP Karti P. Chidambaram.

Happy over the conclusion of the deal, a senior DMK leader acknowledged their roles.

“The talks had reached a stalemate after both parties adopted firm positions on the number of seats to be allotted. Progress was seen only after the Congress high command deputed Mr. Chidambaram to negotiate independently of the party’s seat-sharing committee. Mr. Kharge was in constant touch with Ms. Kanimozhi and was keen on ensuring the Congress remained within the DMK-led alliance,” the DMK leader told The Hindu.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was also said to be in favour of continuing the partnership.

When Mr. Chidambaram met Chief Minister and DMK president M.K. Stalin, he reportedly explained the DMK’s compulsions, particularly the need to accommodate smaller allies within the DMK-led front. Mr. Stalin is said to have outlined the DMK’s strengthened position over the past five years, the Statewide conferences conducted across Tamil Nadu, protests organised against policies of the BJP-led Union government, and the recent demonstrations against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).

Still, Mr. Stalin increased the number of Assembly seats to 27, taking into consideration the stature of Mr. Chidambaram. Even then, the two parties could not reach an agreement.

Mr. Stalin added one more seat after Mr. Kharge personally spoke to him over the phone on Wednesday morning.

The Chief Minister is said to have reminded Mr. Kharge that the DMK had consistently supported the Congress and its Prime Ministerial candidates in the past, and questioned how the Congress could refrain from standing by the DMK at this juncture.

“We are happy that we reached the agreement and our alliance continues. Our leader also proved accommodative,” a DMK source said, expressing satisfaction over the outcome.