Overview
- After a four-hour Delhi huddle, state Congress leaders signalled they prefer to stay with the DMK and would not seek cabinet posts if the DMK secures a clear majority, while ruling out a tie-up with Vijay’s TVK.
- Congress functionaries say the DMK is open to offering more Assembly seats than in 2021, but the ruling party maintains there will be no coalition government or sharing of ministerial berths.
- The Congress high command instructed Tamil Nadu leaders to maintain discipline and avoid public statements on alliance demands, with sources noting a reprimand to Praveen Chakravarty for comments causing strain with the DMK.
- The AIADMK unveiled a phase‑1 manifesto featuring five welfare pledges: ₹2,000 monthly for women household heads, free city bus travel extended to men, housing under the Amma Illam scheme, MGNREGA workdays raised to 150, and a ₹25,000 subsidy under an Amma two‑wheeler scheme for women.
- The BJP plans a Jan. 23 Madurantakam rally to showcase NDA cohesion as seat talks with the AIADMK continue, with outreach to smaller parties such as the DMDK, AMMK and Puthiya Tamizhagam under discussion and Dhinakaran’s Jan. 8 meeting with Amit Shah prompting speculation of shifts.