Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 4: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been granted approval by the Lok Sabha Secretariat for a separate seating arrangement in the House following the party's split with its long-time ally, the Indian National Congress, in Tamil Nadu.

The move comes after Congress extended support to the government led by the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), bringing an end to its alliance with the DMK.

According to sources, the DMK had requested a change in seating arrangements for its MPs, arguing that it would no longer be appropriate for its members to sit alongside Congress legislators after the breakdown of their political partnership.

A separate seating plan for DMK MPs is now being worked out by Lok Sabha authorities.

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi had reportedly written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking the revised arrangement in light of the changed political circumstances.

Sources also indicated that the DMK is unlikely to participate in the opposition INDIA bloc meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on Jun 8.

The political fallout follows Congress's decision to support the TVK-led government despite having contested the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections as part of a pre-poll alliance with the DMK.

Congress, which secured only five seats in the Assembly elections, subsequently joined the TVK government, effectively ending its partnership with the DMK.

The development has triggered sharp criticism from DMK leaders, who have described Congress's move as an act of "betrayal" and "backstabbing".

Congress leaders, however, have defended the decision, arguing that political realignments are not uncommon and pointing out that the DMK had contested the 2014 elections independently.

The latest developments have further strained relations between the two parties and cast uncertainty over future cooperation within the opposition alliance at the national level.