The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections were held on April 23, 2026, marking a significant political moment in the state. The entry of actor C. Joseph Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) adds a new dimension to the traditional two-party contest.
As of midday on May 4, counting of votes began at 8 a.m. Approximately 1.25 lakh security personnel were deployed to ensure a smooth process.
The total voter turnout stood at 85.1%, with around 4.8 crore votes polled, surpassing past election figures. High turnout has historically played a key role in shaping results in the state, making this factor crucial in analyzing the 2026 election trends.
The DMK is seeking its second consecutive term, while the AIADMK is in alliance with the BJP for this election. “The primary contest remains between Chief Minister MK Stalin-led DMK and the AIADMK-BJP alliance,” experts noted.
The TVK, led by Vijay, is a new player that could disrupt established political dynamics. Exit polls predicted various outcomes: DMK+ securing 92-110 seats, TVK capturing 98-120 seats, and AIADMK+ obtaining 22-32 seats.
The Phalodi Satta Bazar predicted DMK to secure around 141-144 seats. The DMK secured 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly elections.
The stakes are high for all parties involved as they navigate this evolving political landscape.
