Congress CEC Meets in Delhi to Finalise Tamil Nadu Candidates

April 3, 2026

New Delhi / Tamil Nadu: The Indian National Congress convened its Central Election Committee (CEC) in Delhi to finalize candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. Senior leaders, including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, participated in the crucial meeting aimed at completing the party’s electoral strategy.

#WATCH | Delhi: Congress Central Election Committee (CEC) meeting to finalise the candidates for Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls underway in Delhi pic.twitter.com/mGqVYrFxqx

— ANI (@ANI) April 2, 2026

85% candidates finalized, 15% Pending

According to party sources, about 85 % of Congress candidates for the 28 constituencies allotted to it in the DMK-led alliance have already been decided, while 15 % remain under discussion. The remaining names are expected to be finalised during the ongoing CEC deliberations. This is a key step for the party as it prepares to announce the official list of candidates.

Strategic Alliance with DMK

The Congress is contesting the election as part of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The alliance recently completed seat-sharing negotiations, with Congress allocated 28 constituencies. Finalising candidates is crucial for the alliance to plan its campaign across the state’s diverse regions.

Countdown to Tamil Nadu Elections

The Tamil Nadu Assembly polls are scheduled for April 23, 2026, with votes for all 234 constituencies cast in a single phase. Counting of votes will take place on May 4. Party leaders are under pressure to announce the remaining candidates quickly to ensure smooth campaign preparations and avoid last-minute organizational hurdles.

Political Implications

Delays in finalizing the remaining names have drawn some internal criticism. Rival parties have highlighted this as a potential weakness, but Congress leaders insist that careful deliberation will strengthen the party’s chances in key constituencies.