Chennai: In what could be a win-win situation, minor allies are seeking to contest on DMK’s rising sun symbol, given the tight multi-cornered contest in the upcoming 2026 assembly election. In 2021, DMK contested in 173 seats, with seven allies contesting on the rising sun symbol in 15 seats, including MDMK, MMK, KMDK, and Tamizhaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi, collectively winning 141 seats. This is also due to DMK’s strong performance when allies used its symbol as against parties suffering a setback when they used their own symbols.
Leaders from parties like MJK, Mukkulathor Pulipadai, and Kongu Ilaignar Peravai, who previously contested and won on AIADMK’s two leaves symbol in 2011, switched allegiance to DMK after J Jayalalithaa’s demise. He has supported DMK since AIADMK joined the BJP-led NDA in 2019 and recently challenged the Election Commission’s decision to de-list his party for non-participation in elections for six years.
MJK leader Thamimun Ansari said the party will seek seats from DMK. In politics, compromises are unavoidable during times of crisis,” Ansari said. If given a chance, I am willing to contest on the rising sun from any seat,” former Thiruvadanai MLA S Karunaas said.
These parties are now awaiting a decision from the DMK leadership regarding their seats and the symbol they will use. “Our alliance is driven by ideology and for the well-being of people of Tamil Nadu. Minor allies have been seen on DMK platforms, strongly backing the party. “We worked for DMK in LS polls. U Thaniyarasu, former Paramathi-Velur MLA, who backed DMK alliance in media platforms, is part of this group. Former MDMK deputy general secretary Mallai C E Sathya, who recently formed DVK after being expelled from MDMK by Vaiko, is keen to contest on the rising sun symbol or campaign for DMK.