NTK cadre wants Seeman to seek support of AIADMK, DMK for Ambasamudram elections

Chief coordinator of NTK Seeman. | Photo credit: S. Siva Saravanan

NTK chief coordinator Seeman’s decision to contest in the Ambasamudram assembly bypoll (when it was announced) sparked a debate among party leaders whether she should seek the support of the DMK and AIADMK for his position as a “joint candidate”.

A senior party official said Mr. Seeman faced “internal pressure” to approach the DMK and AIADMK leadership and seek support. “Although it is a long shot, our officials are putting pressure on him to reach out to other parties. Mr. Seeman explained to them that such a move would be against NTK’s basic position,” the official said.

Mr Seeman’s decision to run was seen as “bold” and said to have energized the cadre after a disappointing showing in this year’s parliamentary elections, which saw his share of the vote almost halved – falling from 8% to around 4%.

Mr Seeman has yet to win an election despite trying his luck since 2016. A senior party member said: “Only a leader who takes these risky steps can keep the party and its cadre together.”

On the possibility of a joint candidate, the party chief admitted that it was “not possible” given the current political dynamics in the state. “Our decision to announce that Seeman will compete has sparked this speculation,” he said.

Party sources said that while Mr. Seeman would not formally seek the support of the DMK and AIADMK, he would still welcome them “not contesting the election”.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 0:24 IST