IUML Requests DMK to Allot Five Assembly Seats

Chennai: IUML president Kader Mohideen on Sunday formally requested five assembly constituencies to DMK for the upcoming elections. The IUML leader also advocated for wider Muslim representation in the alliance, stating that 16 constituencies should be allocated to various Muslim organizations under the DMK umbrella to ensure adequate legislative presence.

DMK is heading the Secular Progressive Alliance for the 2026 Assembly elections.

Speaking to reporters after the first round of seat-sharing talks with a DMK caucus led by TR Baalu, Mohideen highlighted the role of the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) as more than just a political formation, describing it as a “community-based political party” representing over 60 lakh Muslim voters in Tamil Nadu.

“During Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi), he gave five assembly constituencies to IUML. We have requested the current DMK leadership to allocate the same number,” he added.

Stating that the late Karunanidhi had in the past accepted this formula based on the presence of the community in each of the 234 assembly segments, Mohideen stated that 16 constituencies should be allocated to various Muslim organizations under the DMK umbrella and advocated wider Muslim representation in the alliance.

“Based on this, we say that 16 Muslim MPs should go to the parliament. We have clearly put this in front of them,” he said.

While the DMK leadership pointed out the need to bring in new participants like DMDK to further strengthen the alliance, Mohideen said all four seats would be acceptable.

“DMK has suggested that IUML should consider contesting on two seats, one less than the three seats allotted in the previous term, as the party failed to win the three seats allotted in the previous term.” he added.

Stating that they are a policy-based alliance, Mohideen stated that although the party has not yet decided, they are willing to be flexible.

“During election times, it is natural to want more and get less. Regardless of whether they give four, three, two or even zero seats, we will be in the DMK alliance,” Mohideen said. he said.