Elections to appoint the 234 members of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the highest body of the Government of Tamil Nadu, were held on 23 April 2026. The results were declared on 4 May 2026 by the Election Commission of India. It recorded the highest voter turnout in the state's history (85.1%). The new party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), founded by Tamil actor C. Joseph Vijay, won in its first-ever election and ended a 59-year streak of dominance of Dravidian parties in the state.
The TVK contested alone in 233 constituencies.Template:Efn It positioned itself as a rival to the oscillating duopoly of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), and an ideological opponent of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the ruling party of the Government of India. The incumbent DMK led the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which was part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance led by the Lok Sabha opposition, the Indian National Congress (INC); the SPA swept all the 39 seats in the state in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. The opposition AIADMK was part of the BJP's National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Opinion poll agencies projected a second consecutive term for the DMK or a return to power for the AIADMK. In an upset result, the TVK emerged as the single largest party above the DMK and AIADMK, amassing 108 seats but short of majority (118). The SPA was reduced to 73 seats, with the DMK securing 59 and the INC five. The NDA won 53 seats, with the AIADMK securing 47 and the BJP only one. This created Tamil Nadu's first hung assembly. The AIADMK lost its official opposition status to the DMK.
This election marked the first time a non-Dravidian party emerged as the largest party in the assembly since the 1960s, breaking a tradition of power alternating between the DMK and the AIADMK.Template:Efn The outgoing Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M. K. Stalin of the DMK, lost his election from the Kolathur constituency where he had previously won thrice consecutively.Template:Efn The TVK's chief-ministerial candidate Vijay won both the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies he contested.Template:Efn The AIADMK's former Chief Minister, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, retained Edappadi with the widest winning margin in the state.Template:Efn On 5 May 2026, Stalin resigned as Chief Minister. The next few days, Vijay met the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Rajendra Arlekar, multiple times to stake claim to the formation of the new government, resulting in tensions and uncertainty. Vijay pursued a majority by inviting SPA parties other than DMK to render their support; INC left the SPA and joined the TVK government, while four other SPA parties extended their support to a TVK-led coalition government without leaving the alliance.Template:Efn Upon confirming a majority to Arlekar, Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister on 10 May 2026. His government passed the floor test on 13 May.
Political critics and journalists stated that the anti-incumbency against the DMK government, Vijay's mobilization of his fanclubs into an unified party, TVK's well-funded and highly organized digital campaign portraying itself as a fresh, corruption-free alternative as opposed to the perceived fatigue over the Dravidian tenures as major factors that fueled Vijay's success, drawing comparisons with former actor-turned-Chief Ministers M. G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa. Analysts reported that TVK hauled the votebanks of both the DMK and AIADMK, pulling their youth, women, urban, and first-time voters irrespective of caste or religious affiliations, and attributed Vijay's appeal more to a promise of change rather than a meticulous ideology, highlighting the party's extensive and instrumental use of social media.[1][2][3][4]
Within the first month since the results, five assembly seats became vacant as Vijay resigned one of his two seats,Template:Efn and four AIADMK MLAs resigned their seats to join TVK.Template:Efn The by-elections in these five constituencies are to be announced.
Background
Elections to state legislative assemblies in India are usually held once in five years, and the members of the legislative assembly are directly elected to serve five year terms from single-member constituencies. The previous assembly elections were held in April 2021 to elect the 234 members of the 16th Tamil Nadu Assembly, and the tenure of the assembly ends on 10 May 2026.[5] In the previous election, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) formed the state government after winning 159 of the 234 seats, and M. K. Stalin sworn in as the chief minister.[6][7] The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which won 66 seats, became the principal opposition party and its leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami was elected and served as the leader of the opposition.[8]
In June 2022, three members–O. Panneerselvam, P. H. Manoj Pandian, and R. Vaithilingam were expelled from the AIADMK.[9] In August 2022, P. Ayyappan of the AIADMK also joined the expelled faction.[10] K. A. Sengottaiyan was expelled from AIADMK in October 2025,[11] and subsequently resigned from his position as a member of the assembly in November 2025.[12] Manoj Pandian resigned as a member of the assembly in November 2025 and joined the DMK,[13] with Vaithilingam following suit in January 2026.[14] In late 2025, the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) split into two factions, with three members expressing support to Anbumani Ramadoss and two members supporting S. Ramadoss.[15][16] After Anbumani was recognised as the official leader of the PMK, Ramadoss formed a splinter faction of the PMK.[17] Two members–T. K. Amulkandasami (AIADMK) and K. Ponnusamy (DMK) died on 21 June 2025 and 23 October 2025 respectively.[18][19] On 27 February 2026, Pannerselvam and Ayyappan resigned from the assembly and joined the DMK.[20]
| 2021 election result | As on 27 February 2026 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Seats | Party | Seats | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 133 | Template:Party name with colour | 133 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 66 | Template:Party name with colour | 60 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 18 | Template:Party name with colour | 17 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 5 | Template:Party name with colour | 3 | ||
| Template:Party color cell | APMK | 2 | |||
| Template:Party name with colour | 4 | Template:Party name with colour | 4 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 4 | Template:Party name with colour | 4 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 2 | Template:Party name with colour | 2 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 2 | Template:Party name with colour | 2 | ||
| Template:Party name with colour | 7 | ||||
| Total | 234 | - | 234 | ||
Schedule
The Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the election on 15 March 2026.[21]
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Nomination | 30 March 2026 |
| Deadline for filing nominations | 6 April 2026 |
| Scrutiny of nominations | 7 April 2026 |
| Deadline for withdrawal of nomination | 9 April 2026 |
| Polling | 23 April 2026 |
| Counting of votes | 4 May 2026 |
| Deadline for the completion of election process | 6 May 2026 |
Parties and alliances
Secular Progressive Alliance
On 9 March 2024, Kamal Haasan's Makkal Needhi Maiam joined the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA).[22] Parties which formed part of the DMK-led alliance –Indian National Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, that won all the 39 seats in the state in the 2024 general election, remained with the alliance despite emerging strains during subsequent seat-sharing negotiations.[23][24]
On 19 February 2026, the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam joined the DMK-led alliance.[25] On 22 March 2026, T. Velmurugan-led Tamilaga Valvurimai Katchi withdrew its support to the DMK-led SPA.[26] On 24 March 2026, Haasan announced that the Makkal Needhi Maiam would not contest the election, and would extended its support to the alliance.[27] On 28 March 2026, DMK president Stalin released the party's candidate list for the assembly elections.[28] The Congress released its list of candidates on 3 April 2026.[29]
_election_symbol_-_Hammer_Sickle_and_Star.svg){kind=small}
AIADMK-led Alliance
On 25 September 2023, the AIADMK withdrew from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).[59][60] In the 2024 general election, the AIADMK-led Alliance and the BJP-led NDA contested separately and both did not win any seat in the state.[61][62] On 11 April 2025, both the parties reunited to form an alliance,[63][64] with Palaniswami as the chief ministerial candidate.[65][66] On 7 January 2026, the PMK, led by Anbumani, formally joined the AIADMK-led front.[67] On 21 January 2026, T. T. V. Dhinakaran–led Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) joined the alliance.[68]
On 15 March 2026, the AIADMK constituted a four-member committee to hold consultations with its allies for seat sharing.[69] On 23 March 2026, the AIADMK announced that it had finalised seat-sharing agreements with its principle allies, BJP, PMK and AMMK.[70] On 25 March 2026, AIADMK released its first list of 23 candidates.[71] The party released its second list, comprising 127 candidates on 27 March,[72] and the final list of 17 candidates on 29 March 2026.[73] On 30 March 2026, the PMK released the list of its candidates for the polls.[74] The BJP released its list of candidates on 3 April 2026.[75]
| colspan="7" Template:Party color cell | ||||||
| AIADMK-led Alliance | ||||||
| Party | Flag | Symbol | Leader | Seats | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Full party name with color[63] | 
|
|
Edappadi K. Palaniswami | 166[76] | 172 | |
| Template:Full party name with color[77] | 
|
T. R. Paarivendhar[77] | 2[78] | |||
| Template:Full party name with color[79] | 
|
M. Jagan Moorthy[79] | 1[78] | |||
| Template:Full party name with color[80] | 
|
A. C. Shanmugam[79] | 1[81][82] | |||
| Singa Tamizhar Munnetra Kazhagam[83] | R. V. Bharathan[84] | 1[84] | ||||
| Tamil Maanila Bahujan Samaj Party[85] | Porkodi Armstrong[85] | 1[85] | ||||
| Template:Full party name with color[63] | 
|
|
Nainar Nagendran[63] | 26[86] | 33 | |
| Template:Full party name with color[79] | G. K. Vasan[87] | 5[87] | ||||
| South Indian Forward Bloc[88] | K. C. Thirumaran[89] | 1[89] | ||||
| Template:Full party name with color[80] | 
|
B. John Pandian[80] | 1[78] | |||
| Template:Full party name with color[67] | 
|
|
Anbumani Ramadoss[67] | 18[70] | ||
| Template:Full party name with color[68] | 
|
T. T. V. Dhinakaran[70] | 11[70] | |||
| Total | 234 | |||||
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam
On 2 February 2024, actor C. Joseph Vijay announced the formation of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), stating that it would contest the 2026 elections.[90][91] On 18 March 2026, Vijay announced that the TVK will contest solo in all the 234 constituencies,[92] and announced all the candidate list on 29 March 2026.[93]
| Party | Flag | Symbol | Leader | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam[94] | 
|
C. Joseph Vijay[95] | 233Template:Efn | |
| bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | Independent | 
|
K. Premkumar | 1Template:Efn | |
AJPK–AIPTMMK Alliance
On 20 March 2026, the Ramadoss-led faction of the PMK, joined hands with All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, led by V. K. Sasikala, to contest the assembly elections.[96] On 30 March 2026, Ramadoss released first list of five candidates and Sasikala released a list of 21 candidates.[97][98] On 31 March 2026, PMK(R) released a second list of candidates for ten constituencies.[99] On 31 March 2026, AIPMMK released a second list of 38 candidates.[100] On 1 April, Sasikala released a third list of five candidates.[101] On 2 April, Ramadoss released the third and fourth list of ten and eight candidates respectively.[102] On 4 April 2026, Sasikala released a fourth list of nine candidates.[103]
| colspan="7" Template:Party color cell | ||||||
| APMK–AIPTMMK Alliance | ||||||
| Party | Flag | Symbol | Leader | Seats | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam[104] | 
|
V. K. Sasikala[98] | 71[103][105] | 82[106] | ||
| Pasumpon Makkal Desam[107] | 2[107] | |||||
| Vellalar Munnetra Kazhagam[107] | 1[107] | |||||
| Template:Party color cell | Others | 8[106] | ||||
| Template:Party color cell | Anaithindhiya Jananayaka Padhugappu Kazhagam[108]Template:Efn |
|
|
S. Ramadoss[102] | 38[102][109] | |
| Total | 120 | |||||
Others
In February 2026, Naam Tamilar Katchi released its list of 234 candidates for the polls.[110] Puthiya Tamilagam released its first list of 43 candidates for the elections on 29 March 2026,[111] and followed it up with a second list of 27 candidates on the next day.[112]
In February 2025, All India N. R. Congress, the ruling party in the nearby union territory of Puducherry announced its intention to contest in the Tamil Nadu state elections.[113]
| Party | Flag | Symbol | Leader | Seats | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Template:Full party name with color[114] | 
|
Seeman[110] | 234[110] | ||
| Template:Full party name with color[115] | 
|
|
T. Velmurugan[115] | 170[116] | |
| Template:Full party name with color[117] | 
|
|
P. Anandan[118] | 118[118] | |
| Template:Full party name with color[119]Template:Efn | 
|
|
K. Krishnasamy[111] | 70[111][112] | |
Party-wise contest
Note: As per the party of the official symbol on which candidates contested.
| Alliance and Party | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| colspan="4" Template:Party color cell | |||||||
| AIADMK+ | |||||||
| Template:Party color cell | Template:Party color cell | Template:Party color cell | Template:Party color cell | ||||
| AIADMK | BJP | PMK | AMMK | ||||
| rowspan="8" Template:Party color cell | SPA | ||||||
| Template:Party color cell | DMK | 135 | 25 | 8 | 8 | ||
| Template:Party color cell | INC | 18 | 5 | 3 | 2 | ||
| Template:Party color cell | DMDK | 6 | Template:N/a | 4 | Template:N/a | ||
| Template:Party color cell | VCK | 5 | Template:N/a | 2 | 1 | ||
| Template:Party color cell | CPI(M) | 2 | 2 | 1 | Template:N/a | ||
| Template:Party color cell | CPI | 4 | 1 | Template:N/a | Template:N/a | ||
| Template:Party color cell | IUML | 2 | Template:N/a | Template:N/a | Template:N/a | ||
| Total | 234 | ||||||
As per the Election Commission, 4,023 candidates contested across the 234 constituencies in the state.[120] According to the Association for Democratic Reforms, 404 out of the 722 candidates representing the major political parties had serious criminal cases pending them. Amongst these, 60 out of 170 candidates (35.3%) from the AIADMK, 43 out of 231 (18.6%) from the TVK, 32 out of 175 (18.3%) from the DMK, nine out of 33 (27.3%) from the BJP, five out of 28 (17.9%) from the Congress, six out of 18 (33.3%) from the PMK, one each from the DMDK and CPI declared serious criminal cases in their affidavits.[121]
Candidates
Campaign
Following an order of the Madras High Court,[125] the Government of Tamil Nadu announced new rules and guidelines for political rallies in the state in January 2026.[126]
Secular Progressive Alliance
On 1 June 2025, DMK president Stalin launched "Oraniyil Tamil Nadu" (Tamil Nadu as one team), an enrollment drive to add new party members and urged the party cadres to enroll at least 30% of voters in each polling booth to the party through a door-to-door outreach.[127][128] On 24 March, the party released a song for its campaign with the theme "Stalin Thodarattum, Tamil Nadu Vellattum" (let Stalin continue, let Tamil Nadu triumph).[129]
- Manifesto
On 29 March 2026, Stalin released the party's manifesto for the elections.[130] It promised Template:INRconvert coupons for non–income tax-paying homemakers to purchase household appliances, extension of the chief minister's breakfast scheme in government schools till class eight, free laptops to all government college students, enhancement of the monthly entitlement for women to Template:INRconvert, increase in old-age pension from Template:INRconvert to Template:INRconvert, and provision of Template:INRconvert for persons with disabilities. It also proposed expanding coverage under the state government insurance scheme to Template:INRconvert and construction of a million houses for the poor. Other proposals included the procurement of 10,000 new buses, development of high-quality bus shelters, introduction of mini-bus services in remote areas, expansion of Coimbatore International Airport, establishment of a cargo terminal at Thoothukudi Airport, Template:INRconvert for beautification of roads and parks in urban areas, and establishment of future-ready global cities near major cities. The party proposed to attract foreign investment of about Template:INRconvert, and creation of employment opportunities for five million youth. In the agriculture sector, it included provision for distribution of free pump sets to two million farmers, increase in procurement price of paddy and sugarcane, raising milk procurement price by Template:INRconvert per litre, desilting of 15,500 km of irrigation canals, and financial assistance to fishermen during fishing ban and low-catch periods. It also proposed interest-free loans up to Template:INRconvert for self-help groups, establishment of a library to promote awareness of the anti-Hindi imposition movement, and introduction of capital punishment for crimes against children below eight years of age.[131]
AIADMK-led Alliance
On 7 July 2025, AIADMK general secretary Palaniswami launched a statewide campaign with the slogan "Makkalai Kaappom, Thamizhagathai Meetpom" (let's protect the people, let's save Tamil Nadu).[132][133]
- Manifesto
On 24 March 2026, AIADMK general secretary Palaniswami released the party's election manifesto, which contained 297 promises. The manifesto proposed a range of welfare and economic measures, including a monthly assistance of Template:INRconvert for women, a Template:INRconvert relief payment per family to address rising prices, monthly assistance of Template:INRconvert for unemployed graduates, subsidiary of Template:INRconvert for working women to buy two-wheelers, and an increase in pension benefits to Template:INRconvert for senior citizens. It also proposed waiver of education and crop loans, provision of free refrigerators to poor families, three free LPG cylinders per year, and extension of free travel in local government buses to men. The party further proposed the increase of mandatory work days from 100 to 150 days under the rural employment scheme, increase of quota for government school students to 10% in government medical colleges and full coverage of major medical expenses for major treatments for state insurance holders. Additional measures included subsidies for solar power installations, revival of the marriage assistance scheme, expansion of subsidised government clinics, implementation of prohibition by closing liquor shops in phases, higher minimum support prices for paddy and sugarcane, and provision of free pulses and cooking oil through the Public Distribution System.[134]
Naam Tamilar Katchi
On 22 March 2026, the NTK announced the first phase of its election campaign schedule, stating that the party's chief coordinator, Seeman, would address nine public meetings by the end of March 2026.[135]
- Manifesto
On 27 March 2026, Seeman released the party's election manifesto, which included administrative reforms such as the creation of multiple functional capitals for the state, equal representation for women in legislative bodies, and fair pricing for farmers and fishermen, and other welfare schemes. It also proposed plans for the conservation of natural resources, food security, waste management, climate change and sustainability.[136]
Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam
On 13 September 2025, TVK president Vijay launched his party's election campaign in Tiruchirappalli, with subsequent rallies planned on weekends.[137][138] However, following a crowd crush that resulted in the deaths of 41 people and injuries to 80-120 others, during a political rally hosted by TVK in Karur, he suspended the campaign temporarily.[139][140] During the campaigning, Adhav Arjuna, the general secretary of the TVK, made controversial remarks about actor Rajinikanth,[141] which criticism from politicians and public.[142][143][144] Vijay started his campaign for the elections on 30 March 2026, after filing his nomination to contest the elections from the Perambur Assembly constituency.[145]
- Manifesto
On 29 March 2026, Vijay released the manifesto for the elections. The TVK manifesto promised drug free state, job assurance to youth, collateral-free education and startup loans, and monthly financial assistance to students.[146]
Surveys and polls
Opinion polls
| Polling agency | Date published | Sample size | bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | bgcolor="Template:Party color"| | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPA | AIADMK+ | TVK | Others | ||||
| IANS-Matrize | 15 March 2026[147][148] | 17,410 | 104-114 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 6-12 | 1-6 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| News18-Vote Vibe | 23 March 2026[149][150] | 7,992 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 106-116 | 2-8 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Agni News Agency | 23 March 2026 [151][152] | 101,643 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 50-60 | 0-10 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Lokpoll | 1 April 2026[153] | 117,000 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 38-42 | 8-10 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| News18-Vote Vibe | 6 April 2026[154] | 24,943 | 90-100 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 2-6 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Spick Media | 17 April 2026[155] | 126,801 | 88-94 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 4-5 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Vikatan | 18 April 2026[156] | 93,600 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 83 | 3 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Thanthi TV | 20 April 2026[157][158] | 60,000 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 91-101 | 1-2 | 0 | style="width:15%;"Style="background-color:Template:Party color; color:"Blue"|Hung |
| Polling agency | Date published | Sample size | bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | bgcolor="Template:Party color" | | bgcolor="Template:Party color"| | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPA | AIADMK+ | TVK | Others | ||||
| IANS-Matrize | 15 March 2026[147][148] | 17,410 | 37-38% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 14-15% | 10-12% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| News18-Vote Vibe | 23 March 2026[149][150] | 7,992 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 38% | 15% | 7% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Agni News Agency | 23 March 2026 [151][152] | 101,643 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 38.5% | 9.7% | 6.9% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Lokpoll | 1 April 2026 [153] | 117,000 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 29% | 23.9% | 7% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| News18-Vote Vibe | 6 April 2026[154] | 24,943 | 39% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 12% | 8% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Spick Media | 17 April 2026[155] | 126,801 | 37.47% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 14.81% | 8.47% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Vikatan | 18 April 2026[156] | 93,600 | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 33.63% | 24.71% | 4.16% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
| Dinamalar | 20 April 2026[159] | 25,691 | 32% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color | 23% | 9% | style="background:Template:Party color;" |Template:Font color |
Exit polls
The Election Commission had banned the publication of any exit poll from 7 am on 9 April until 6.30 pm on 29 April to prevent any influence on voters across the five state assembly elections.[160]
Voting
A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) was conducted by Election Commission of India before the polls, and in February 2026, after the exercise, 56,707,380 voters were declared as eligible to vote in the 2026 assembly election in Tamil Nadu.[176][177] As per the final voter list, 57.3 million voters were eligible to vote in the assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. This includes 28.3 million male, 29.3 million female, and 7,728 third gender voters.[120][178]
The polling was held on 23 April 2026 across 75,064 polling stations across 33,133 locations in the state. About 1,06,418 Electronic Voting Machines were used for the polls.[120][178] As per the data released by the Election Commission after the polling day, the state recorded 84.69% voter turnout, which was 11.06% higher than the preceding assembly elections in 2021, and the highest ever recorded in the assembly elections in the state.[120][179] Of the registered electorate of 57.3 million, 83.57% of male, 85.76% of female, and 60.49% of third gender voters cast their votes.[120] On 25 April, the turnout was revised to 85.1%.[180][181]
The votes polled increased by 5.5% compared to the previous assembly election in 2021, while the increase was 6.22% in 2021, 18.5% in 2016, and 11.4% in 2011 when compared to the respective previous assembly elections in the state. Despite the lower increase in the actual votes polled, the higher percentage of voter turnout is attributed in part to the revision of the electoral rolls during the SIR process conducted prior to the polls.[182]
Voter turnout by district
Template:Sticky headerTemplate:Static row numbersTemplate:Table alignment
| District | Turnout (%)Template:Citation needed |
|---|---|
| Thiruvallur | 83.76 |
| Chennai | 83.74 |
| Kanchipuram | 87.39 |
| Chengalpattu | 85.46 |
| Ranipet | 89.89 |
| Vellore | 88.76 |
| Thirupattur | 88.9 |
| Krishnagiri | 85.48 |
| Dharmapuri | 90.13 |
| Thiruvannamalai | 89.66 |
| Villupuram | 88.99 |
| Kallakurichi | 88.5 |
| Salem | 90.76 |
| Namakkal | 90.21 |
| Erode | 90.1 |
| Tiruppur | 88.59 |
| Nilgris | 78.92 |
| Coimbatore | 84.76 |
| Dindigul | 89.25 |
| Karur | 92.63 |
| Thiruchirapalli | 85.44 |
| Perambalur | 85.5 |
| Ariyalur | 87.41 |
| Cuddalore | 85.49 |
| Mayiladuthurai | 82.14 |
| Nagapattinam | 86.3 |
| Thiruvarur | 83.69 |
| Thanjavur | 80.63 |
| Pudukottai | 83.9 |
| Sivaganga | 76.66 |
| Madurai | 80.52 |
| Theni | 81.55 |
| Virudhunagar | 84.82 |
| Ramanathapuram | 77.01 |
| Thoothukudi | 80.53 |
| Tenkasi | 82.41 |
| Tirunelveli | 77.94 |
| Kanniyakumari | 75.61 |
Results
The newly founded TVK outperformed exit polls to emerge as the single largest party in both seat share and popular vote in a hung assembly, becoming the first party led by an actor-turned politician to do so in its debut Assembly election since 1977, a feat achieved by M. G. Ramachandran.[183][184] 15 ministers from the outgoing Stalin cabinet were defeated in their respective constituencies.[185]
| style="background:Template:Party color; width:46.15%;" | 108 | style="background:Template:Party color; width:31.20%;" | 73 | style="background:Template:Party color; width:22.65%;" | 53 |
| TVK | SPA | AIADMK+ |
Results by pre-poll alliance or party
Results by district
| District | Seats | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white; text-align:center;" |TVK | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white; text-align:center;" |SPA | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white; text-align:center;" |ADMK+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thiruvallur | 6 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |5 | 0 | 1 |
| Chennai | 22 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |20 | 2 | 0 |
| Kancheepuram | 3 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |3 | 0 | 0 |
| Chengalpattu | 6 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 0 | 2 |
| Ranipet | 4 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |3 | 0 | 1 |
| Vellore | 5 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 0 | 1 |
| Thirupattur | 4 | 1 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |2 | 1 |
| Krishnagiri | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Dharmapuri | 5 | 1 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 |
| Thiruvanamalai | 8 | 1 | 2 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |5 |
| Villupuram | 7 | 0 | 3 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 |
| Kallakurichi | 4 | 1 | 1 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |2 |
| Salem | 11 | 4 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |7 |
| Namakkal | 6 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |5 | 0 | 1 |
| Erode | 8 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |5 | 0 | 3 |
| Nilgiris | 3 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |2 | 1 |
| Thiruppur | 8 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 2 | 2 |
| Coimbatore | 10 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |6 | 3 | 1 |
| Dindigal | 7 | 1 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 2 |
| Karur | 4 | 1 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |2 | 1 |
| Tiruchirapalli | 9 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |6 | 2 | 1 |
| Perambalur | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Ariyalur | 2 | 0 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |2 |
| Cuddalore | 9 | 1 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |5 | 3 |
| Mayiladuthurai | 3 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |3 | 0 |
| Nagapattinam | 3 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |2 | 1 |
| Thiruvarur | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
| Thanjavur | 8 | 2 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |6 | 0 |
| Pudukottai | 6 | 2 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |3 | 1 |
| Sivaganga | 4 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 0 | 0 |
| Madurai | 10 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |8 | 2 | 0 |
| Theni | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Virudhunagar | 7 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 3 | 0 |
| Ramanathapuram | 4 | 1 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |3 | 0 |
| Thoothukudi | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Tenkasi | 5 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |4 | 1 |
| Tirunelveli | 5 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |3 | 1 | 1 |
| Kanyakumari | 6 | 0 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |5 | 1 |
| Total | 234 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |108 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |73 | style="background:Template:Party color; color:white;" |53 |
Results by region
| Region | Seats | style="color:inherit;background:Template:Party color" | | style="color:inherit;background:Template:Party color" | | style="color:inherit;background:Template:Party color" | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TVK | SPA | AIADMK+ | ||
| Northern Tamil Nadu | 69 | style="background:Template:Party color;color:white;"|44 | 8 | 17 |
| Western Tamil Nadu | 68 | style="background:Template:Party color;color:white;"|27 | 17 | 24 |
| Southern Tamil Nadu | 51 | style="background:Template:Party color;color:white;"|25 | 23 | 3 |
| Central Tamil Nadu | 46 | 12 | style="background:Template:Party color;color:white;"|24 | 10 |
| Total | 234 | style="background:Template:Party color;color:white;"|108 | 73 | 53 |
Results by constituency
Analysis
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a two-year-old party led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, won 108 of the 234 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election. Analysts and media commentators noted that the party’s campaign relied heavily on digital outreach and social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. BBC, described the campaign as reflecting a major shift towards digital-first political mobilisation in India.[189][190]
Election campaigns in India have traditionally relied on public rallies, speeches, banners, door-to-door canvassing and extensive media outreach. In Tamil Nadu, Dravidian parties such as the DMK and the AIADMK have dominated state politics for decades, with politics centred around social justice and welfare policies. During this period, Tamil Nadu also recorded strong economic and social indicators, including 11.2% economic growth in 2024–25 and continued manufacturing expansion. Political observers stated that the prolonged dominance of the major Dravidian parties contributed to growing interest in political alternatives, particularly among younger voters and Gen Z voters who were less connected to traditional political narratives and more receptive to calls for political change.[189][191]
Although Vijay remained one of the most recognisable public figures in the state, he reportedly campaigned in person for less than three weeks during the election. Some campaign events were cancelled, which the party attributed to logistical constraints and time limitations. Instead of extensive physical campaigning, TVK placed significant emphasis on digital communication and online mobilisation. Vijay did not give media interviews or hold press conferences during the campaign, and his speeches were generally shorter than those of other political leaders. Much of the TVK’s outreach was conducted through social media platforms. TVK supporters and volunteers, including members of an extensive network of fan clubs, circulated campaign material, speech clips, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts and WhatsApp messages online. TVK’s information technology wing also played a role in producing campaign content and criticism from rival parties.[189]
NDTV highlighted Vijay’s social media strategy, noting that he used platforms such as Instagram selectively, mainly for updates related to films, public appearances and social messaging related to elections. His online engagement was particularly strong among younger voters and women, as well as among audiences in Chennai and sections of the Tamil diaspora abroad including Istanbul.[190] TVK received notable support from younger voters, including first-time voters. Voters between the ages of 18 and 39, who constitute a significant share of Tamil Nadu’s electorate, were considered an important support base for the party's winning of 108 seats.[191][189]
The Incumbent DMK was also perceived as overconfident due to favourable internal assessments, which may have delayed timely course correction. Despite appearing arithmetically strong on paper, poor coordination among its allies, inconsistent campaign messaging, and ineffective vote transfer in several constituencies limited the alliance's electoral performance, while persistent corruption allegations, despite the absence of any major scandals, and negative public perceptions further weakened the campaign and collectively contributed to this outcome.[192] From the outset of counting, TVK led across Chennai district and ultimately won 20 of the city's 22 constituencies, with the exception of the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni and Harbour constituencies,Template:Efn which were retained by the DMK, marking a major breakthrough in a region long considered a DMK stronghold and a historic base of the erstwhile Justice Party, the political precursor to the century-old Dravidian movement.[193][194][195] The DMK suffered a complete rout in the neighbouring districts of Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and Vellore.[193] TVK swept Northern Tamil Nadu and made major inroads into Western Kongu region and Southern Tamil Nadu, regions long considered AIADMK strongholds, emerging as the principal party in these areas.[196] TVK won 24 of the 46 reserved assembly constituencies for the scheduled communities in the state, recording major victories across western and northern Tamil Nadu, by making significant inroads into the Dalit vote base of the Dravidian parties and VCK, and became the first debutant party to secure more than half of the reserved seats, while AIADMK and DMK won nine each.[197][198] Within the AIADMK-led alliance, weak vote transfer, the BJP's diminished independent momentum which it had gained in the state during the 2024 Lok Sabha election, was seen to have been lost following its renewed alignment with the AIADMK in April 2025, and the sidelining of former state unit president K. Annamalai were seen as key factors behind its poor performance, particularly among urban and younger voters amid the rise of the “Vijay factor".[199] However, The results indicated that the AIADMK–PMK alliance had relatively worked in the alliance's favour by consolidating Vanniyar votes in parts of Northern Tamil Nadu.[200] TVK significantly weakened both the DMK and AIADMK in the urban centres of Salem, Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai. The AIADMK retained a measure of support in parts of western and northern Tamil Nadu through alliance cohesion, while the DMK performed relatively better in its traditional Cauvery delta stronghold.[201][194]
- Party-wise position in Assembly segments
TVK emerged as the leading party, finished first in 108 assembly segments, runner-up in 74, and third in 51 segments. DMK secured first place in 59 assembly segments, finished runner-up in 80, and placed third in 37 segments. The AIADMK won 47 of the 172 seats it contested, finished runner-up in 44 constituencies, slipped to third place in 81, and lost its deposit in 19 assembly segments. TVK and DMK did not forfeit their deposits in any of the constituencies they had contested in.[202][203][204]
Script error: No such module "Chart".
Government formation
Vijay indicated that he planned to take the oath of the Chief Minister's office on 7 May 2026 at the Nehru Stadium, Chennai. On 6 May 2026, Vijay met the Governor of Tamil Nadu, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, and staked a claim to the formation of the new government. However, Arlekar asked Vijay to produce letters of support from 118 MLAs, which he thought Vijay did not have, according to media reports. Subsequently, the convoy and security protection provided to Vijay as the Chief Minister-designate were withdrawn.[205]
Path to coalition
After the declaration of results, the TVK had emerged as the single largest party (108 seats) in the assembly but could not get the majority (118 seats), leading to a requirement of a minimum 10 additional seats.[206] This led to a series of political maneuvering and ambiguity in Tamil Nadu's politics in the following days.[207] American publication Variety described it as "a frantic few days of horse-trading".[208]
The TVK, which had cited the former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Kamarajar of the INC as one of the party's ideological icons, invited the INC MLAs to form a coalition government, which the INC accepted after leaving the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, leading to the formation of the TVK-led alliance. The INC state unit Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) forwaded Vijay's invitation to their Delhi-headquartered presidium All India Congress Committee (AICC), who sent back the decision to the state unit. The state unit decided to break ties with the DMK and support TVK conditional upon TVK never maintaining ties with the BJP.[209] Following news that Arlekar is delaying inviting the TVK to form the government, INC's Karur MP Jothimani stated that the BJP-appointed Governor "should stop playing politics via the Raj Bhavan".[210]
From 7 May 2026 onwards, allegations of a possible alliance between the DMK and the AIADMK, which could easily achieve a majority in the assembly, circulated in mainstream media. The DMK quickly denied the news, claiming they rejected such an offer from the AIADMK, respecting the people's mandate, and that the DMK had decided to serve as opposition, not interfering in the TVK's government formation process.[211]
Other sources claimed that TVK is holding negotiations with the ADMK over a possible power-sharing arrangement, amidst reports that around 28 of the 47 AIADMK MLAs have been moved to a Puducherry resort, and that a faction within the AIADMK MLAs are willing to support TVK. AIADMK general secretary Palanisami is said to oppose a coalition with the TVK.[210] It was also reported that the five INC MLAs have been moved to Hyderabad, the capital city of the INC-ruled state Telangana, and that they will return to Chennai once Arlekar invites Vijay to form government.[207]
On 8 May 2026, the leftist parties of Tamil Nadu, consisting of CPI and CPI(M), agreed to provide their MLAs' unconditional support to the TVK, stressing on the necessity to form a government by the deadline of 10 May to prevent a President's rule which they dubbed a proxy-BJP regime. The leftist parties affirmed that they would only support "from the outside" but not participate in the government, continuing in their SPA alliance led by the DMK. Following this, Vijay once again met Arlekar, for the third time, insisting on being invited to form the state government.[207] Vijay also submitted a letter of support from the lone MLA of AMMK to the Governor on his third visit, extending support to TVK to form the government. Subsequently, T. T. V. Dhinakaran alleged that the TVK had submitted a photocopy of a forged letter and claimed that it was an attempt at horse-trading involving the party's lone MLA. He later submitted a letter to the Governor disputing the earlier claim. TVK denied the allegation and released a video stating that the AMMK MLA had extended support to the party for government formation.[207][212]
On 9 May 2026, the VCK and IUML extended unconditional support to TVK to form the government, while continuing their alliance with the DMK-led SPA. Both parties hold two MLAs each in the Assembly. With the support of the INC, along with outside support from SPA allies such as the CPI(M), CPI, VCK and IUML, TVK secured the backing of 120 MLAs, excluding one vacant seat as Vijay had contested and won from two constituencies.[213] Subsequently, Vijay met the Governor along with alliance party leaders and staked claim to form the government. The Governor later appointed Vijay as Chief Minister-designate and directed him to seek a vote of confidence in the Assembly on or before 13 May 2026.[214]
In a ceremony on 10 May, Vijay was sworn-in as the ninth Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and the thirteenth Chief Minister since the linguistic reformation of the state's boundaries in 1956.
Floor test
| style="background:Template:Party color; width:62.34%;" | 144 | style="background:Template:Party color; width:9.52%;" | 22 | style="background:Template:Party color; width:2.16%;" | 5 | style="background:Template:Party color; width:25.97%;" | 60 |
| AYES | NOES | ABSTAIN | WALKOUT |
On 13 May 2026, the third day of the inaugural sessions of the 17th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, the government was put through a vote of confidence as stipulated by the landmark Supreme Court ruling of S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994). Vijay's TVK government passed the vote comfortably with 144 ayes against 22 noes:[215]
- The DMK's 59 MLAs and the only DMDK MLA staged a walk-out. The Speaker J. C. D. Prabhakar (from TVK) does not get to vote, besides Vijay's vacated Tiruchirapalli East seat, and the MLA, from Tirupattur, was barred from voting due to a Madras High Court order, relating to the counting of votes. The TVK loses three votes, reducing their party strength to 105.
- MLAs who voted in favor of the government are from TVK (105) and its post-poll allies (13), and 25 MLAs from the AIADMK led by Thondamuthur MLA S. P. Velumani who support Vijay rebelling against Palanisami, as well as the AMMK MLA expelled by the party for his outspoken support to Vijay. This confirmed the news reports and exposed the yet another factional split within the AIADMK.
- Those who voted against the government are the remainder of the AIADMK MLAs (22).
- 5 MLAs of the PMK (4) and BJP (1) abstained.
Council of Ministers
Template:Further A preliminary State Cabinet of eight ministers, with important portfolios, took oath on 10 May alongside Vijay. It was expanded into a full-fledged Council of Ministers on 21 May. It saw the induction of INC ministers into the Tamil Nadu Cabinet after nearly 60 years. Congress MLAs Rajesh Kumar and P. Vishwanathan were sworn in as ministers.[216][217] The cabinet expansion marked a record in the history of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet, with four women ministers serving at the same time. Publications reported on the caste representation within Vijay's Council of Ministers, highlighting that the cabinent included seven ministers from Scheduled Communities and both of TVK's Brahmin MLAs. On 22 May, an MLA from VCK and IUML each joined the cabinet for the first time in the state's history, taking the cabinet strength to its maximum limit of 35.[218][219][220][221]
Controversy
Voter fraud
Around two dozen foreign nationals were arrested for allegedly casting fraudulent votes in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. They were accused of using fake Indian identity documents to cast votes, following which the Election Commission ordered a probe into the suspected electoral fraud.[222][223]
Earlier, media reports had stated that many people were returning to Tamil Nadu from abroad to cast their votes, as the election had gained significant attention following the political entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay.[224][225][226]
Further strife in the AIADMK
On 25 May 2026, three AIADMK MLAs who were part of the Velumani faction, namely K. Maragatham (Madurantakam), S. Jayakumar, (Perundurai), and P. Sathyabama (Dharapuram), resigned their seats and joined the TVK. With this, the AIADMK's strength in the assembly dropped to 44. Palanisami and T. T. V. Dhinakaran accused the TVK government of blatant horse-trading.[227]
On 26 May, Ambasamudram's AIADMK MLA and former minister E. Subbaiah also resigned his seat in a similar vein, bringing down the party's strength to 43. All of these four constituencies are expected to undergo by-polls eventually.[228]
On May 27, the rival factions of the AIADMK reconciled, with Velumani acknowledging Palanisami's leadership of the party. Both the factions withdrew the disqualification petitions they had submitted to the Speaker earlier.[229] Velumani denied the claims that his faction was supporting the TVK in hope of ministerial positions within the government.[230] The Economic Times opined that the resignations are part of TVK's attempts to gain an absolute majority in the assembly.[231]
Miscellaneous
Within a month of assuming power in the state, the TVK government was criticized and scrutinized for various issues:
- The Tamil Thaai Vaazhthu, the state anthem of Tamil Nadu, was played at the end rather than the beginning during the ministerial oath ceremonies sparking widespread backlash from TVK's allies and opposition groups.[232]
- On 12 May 2026, the Tamil Nadu government appointed astrologer and TVK spokesperson as Officer-on-Special Duty (Political) to Chief Minister Vijay. The appointment drew criticism from several political parties and alliance partners. The government revoked the order the following day.[233]
- The TVK expelled a Vellore functionary, T.R. Vijayakumar, after residents and workers protested against alleged ₹1 lakh monthly extortion demands from local brick kiln operators.[234]
- A petition filed in the Madras High Court, the apex court of Tamil Nadu, alleged that the Chief Minister Vijay was deliberately excluded from the FIR concerning the fatal September 2025 stampede at a Karur TVK rally, in order to shield him from political negligence charges.[235]
- The government abruptly cancelled a ₹16.83 lakh tender for a Kanchipuram water tank project after it was discovered bidders were given a six-hour window, drawing accusations from the DMK of favoring specific contractors.[236]
- The TVK government under Vijay faced severe backlash over the state's deteriorating law and order situation, specifically following a series of brutal crimes involving minors and women.[237][238][239]
By-polls
| Date | Constituency | Previous MLA | Reason | Elected MLA | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TBD | 35 | Maduranthakam | Maragatham Kumaravel | Template:Full party name with color | Resigned on 25 May 2026[240] | TBD | |
| 101 | Dharapuram | P. Sathyabama | |||||
| 103 | Perundurai | S. Jayakumar | |||||
| 141 | Tiruchirappalli East | C. Joseph Vijay | Template:Full party name with color | Resigned on 10 May 2026[241] | |||
| 225 | Ambasamudram | E. Subaya | Template:Full party name with color | Resigned on 26 May 2026 | |||
See also
Notes
References
- ↑ Tamil Nadu election results shocker: 5 factors that powered TVK Vijay's political blockbuster. The Times of India(2026-05-04). Retrieved 2026-05-06.
- ↑ 16 factors that propelled Vijay to power in Tamil Nadu, Nagarajan, Banuchandar. Moneycontrol.com(4 May 2026). Retrieved 7 May 2026.
- ↑ Vijay, Tamil Nadu election results 2026: How a film star won in the Indian state. www.bbc.com(2026-05-05). Retrieved 2026-05-06.
- ↑ Who is Vijay, the actor taking Indian politics by storm?. The Independent(2026-05-10). Retrieved 2026-05-10.
- ↑ Term of the Houses. Retrieved 13 October 2025.
- ↑ Assembly elections 2021: DMK reclaims power in Tamil Nadu. The Hindu(5 May 2021). Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ DMK chief MK Stalin takes oath as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister. India Today(7 May 2021). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ Edappadi Palaniswami elected as Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly. The Indian Express(10 May 2021). Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ↑ AIADMK Expels OPS, His Supporters From Party; Defiant Leader Vows Action. NDTV. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ Usilampatti MLA switches over to Panneerselvam camp. The Hindu(27 August 2022). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu MLA Sengottaiyan expelled from AIADMK a day after his meeting with Panneerselvam, Dhinakaran, Sasikala. The Hindu(31 October 2025). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ Expelled AIADMK veteran Sengottaiyan joins Vijay's TVK. The Hindu(27 November 2025). Retrieved 7 December 2025.
- ↑ AIADMK MLA Manoj Pandian joins DMK, resigns as MLA. The Times of India(5 November 2025). Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ Former AIADMK Minister R. Vaithilingam joins DMK. The Hindu(21 January 2026). Retrieved 22 January 2026.
- ↑ MLAs protest at Secretariat over PMK leadership dispute. The Times of India(15 October 2025). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ Anbumani seeks replacement of G K Mani as party floor leader. The Times of India(26 September 2025). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ EC recognises Anbumani as PMK president; Ramadoss camp calls it a unilateral decision. The Times of India(16 September 2025). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ Valparai AIADMK MLA Amul Kandasamy passes away at 60. The Hindu(21 June 2025). Retrieved 21 June 2025.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu: Senthamangalam DMK MLA K. Ponnusamy passes away. The Hindu(23 October 2025). Retrieved 26 November 2025.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu: OPS and Ayyappan joined DMK. The Hindu(27 February 2026). Retrieved 27 February 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026: full schedule. The Hindu(15 March 2026). Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Actor Kamal Haasan's MNM joins DMK-led alliance; allotted one seat for 2025 Rajya Sabha polls. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 DMK alliance sweeps Tamil Nadu; trounces AIADMK, BJP. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 24.6 Secular Progressive Alliance stages demonstration. The Hindu(12 February 2026). Retrieved 12 February 2026.
- ↑ 25.0 25.1 DMDK Forms Alliance With DMK Ahead Of Tamil Nadu Polls, AIADMK Objects. News 18(19 February 2026). Retrieved 19 February 2026.
- ↑ Velmurugan Exits from DMK alliance, a first setback. The Hindu(22 March 2026). Retrieved 23 March 2026.
- ↑ MNM decided not to contest elections in spite it would campaign for DMK-led SPA Alliance Victory. DT Next(24 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ DMK leader Stalin releases candidates list. The Hindu(28 March 2026). Retrieved 28 March 2026.
- ↑ Congress releases list of 28 candidates for Tamil Nadu polls. News Minute(3 April 2026). Retrieved 3 April 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Assembly elections 2026: Full list of DMK candidates(30 March 2026). Retrieved 30 March 2026.
- ↑ SPA seat sharing finalised and Rising Sun symbol to contest 175 seats. The Hindu(28 March 2026). Retrieved 28 March 2026.
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 MDMK will contest all seats under DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol: Vaiko. The New Indian Express(2 April 2026). Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ MDMK to contest 4 seats confirms its seat allotment. The Hindu(11 March 2026). Retrieved 12 March 2026.
- ↑ MDMK seals seat-sharing pact with DMK, bags 4 seats. DT Next(11 March 2026). Retrieved 11 March 2026.
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Deal done, KMDK to contest in two seats on DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol. The Hindu(14 March 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi to contest two seats on DMK's 'Rising Sun' symbol. The Hindu(13 March 2026). Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ Manithaneya Makkal Katchi Decided to contest on DMK'S Rising Sun Symbol for upcoming 2026 election. The Hindu(23 February 2026). Retrieved 23 February 2026.
- ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 IUML AND MMK had given each 2 by DMK. The Hindu(28 February 2026). Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ↑ MJK president urges Congress to discuss governance share privately amid alliance tensions. News Mill(12 February 2026). Retrieved 26 February 2026.
- ↑ Ansari urges Selvaperunthagai not to press for share in power in DMK alliance. The Times of India(7 January 2026). Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ 41.0 41.1 41.2 Karunas, SDPI, Thamimun Ansari had given each one by DMK contesting on DMK ticket. The Hindu(25 March 2026). Retrieved 25 March 2026.
- ↑ Mukkulathor Pulipadai leader Karunas confirms alliance with DMK and to stand in Udhaya Suriyan symbol. One India(28 February 2026). Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- ↑ Karunas: EPS is ruining AIADMK. The Times of India(24 October 2025). Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ New Partner SDPI joins hands with DMK And Announced that it was contest on 'Rising Sun' Symbol ahead 26 election. Illustrated Daily News(28 February 2026). Retrieved 3 March 2026.
- ↑ This man knows Dindigul inside out, and its needs too(4 April 2024). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ 46.0 46.1 K. K. Selvakumar exits from NDA Alliance to join DMK alliance. News 18(22 January 2026). Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ Tamilar Desam Party gets 1 seat contesting on DMK ticket. The Hindu(26 March 2026). Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ Selvaperunthagai named State Congress president, Rajesh Kumar new floor leader. The Hindu(17 February 2024). Retrieved 10 December 2025.
- ↑ Congress To Contest 28 Seats, Get 1 Rajya Sabha Spot As DMK Seals Pact For Tamil Nadu Polls. The Hindu(4 March 2026). Retrieved 4 March 2026.
- ↑ 'The alliance has taken shape,' DMDK officially joins DMK-led front in TN. The South First(19 February 2026). Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ DMDK pacted to contest 10 seats on DMK Alliance for first time. The Hindu(24 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ VCK to contest 8 seats under SPA Alliance. The Hindu(24 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ P Shanmugam elected CPI(M) TN secretary, CM Stalin greets. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ CPI-M accepts five-seat offer, pacted with DMK. The Hindu(23 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ M. Veerapandian is new T.N. CPI secretary. The Hindu(13 September 2025). Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ↑ CPI to contest 5 seats on SPA alliance pacted with DMK. The Hindu(18 March 2026). Retrieved 18 March 2026.
- ↑ TN polls: IUML seeks greater Muslim representation in DMK alliance, requests 5 seats. The Federal(22 February 2026). Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- ↑ IUML leader Kader Mohideen chosen for Thagaisal Thamizhar award. The New Indian Express(4 July 2025). Retrieved 14 March 2026.
- ↑ AIADMK severs ties with BJP-led NDA; to form front to fight 2024 LS polls. Deccan Herald(25 September 2023). Retrieved 25 September 2023.
- ↑ AIADMK snaps ties with BJP-led NDA alliance ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha polls. The Indian Express(25 September 2023). Retrieved 25 September 2023.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu election results 2024: DMK alliance sweeps Cuddalore, Villupuram, and Kallakurichi. The Hindu(4 June 2024). Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ↑ India Bloc Scripts Clean Sweep In Tamil Nadu, BJP And AIADMK Suffer Rout. NDTV(4 June 2024). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ 63.0 63.1 63.2 63.3 BJP, AIADMK reunite forming alliance for 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The Hindu(11 April 2025). Retrieved 11 April 2025.
- ↑ BJP announces alliance with AIADMK in Tamil Nadu ahead of 2026 elections, EPS to be CM candidate. India TV(11 April 2025).
- ↑ Edappadi – Amit Shah will take all alliance decisions: BJP to cadre in fresh gag order. DT Next(19 April 2025). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ EPS will be the NDA's CM face for 2026, coalition govt decision post-polls: Nainar Nagendran. DT Next(27 June 2025). Retrieved 7 November 2025.
- ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 PMK joins NDA for 2026 Tamil Nadu polls, Edappadi Palaniswami calls it winning force. India Today(7 January 2026). Retrieved 7 January 2026.
- ↑ 68.0 68.1 Dhinakaran-led AMMK returns to NDA fold, Palaniswami welcomes leader. Deccan Herald(21 January 2026). Retrieved 21 January 2026.
- ↑ அதிமுக ஆட்சிமன்றக் குழு திருத்தியமைப்பு! எடப்பாடி பழனிசாமி அறிவிப்பு!. Dinamani(15 March 2026). Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ 70.0 70.1 70.2 70.3 AIADMK-led NDA finalises seat sharing, BJP gets 27, PMK 18, AMMK 11. The Hindu(23 March 2026). Retrieved 23 March 2026.
- ↑ AIADMK's first list out, no major surprises. The Hindu(25 March 2026). Retrieved 25 March 2026.
- ↑ AIADMK announces second list of 127 candidates, fields 46 sitting MLAs, 17 women for TN Assembly polls. The New Indian Express(27 March 2026). Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu election 2026: Former Ministers B. Valarmathi, S. Gokula Indira in AIADMK's final list of candidates. The Hindu(30 March 2026). Retrieved 30 March 2026.
- ↑ PMK full candidate list: Thilagabama against Vijay in Perambur; Sowmiya Anbumani gets Dharmapuri. The Week(30 March 2026). Retrieved 30 March 2026.
- ↑ BJP announces candidates for 27 seats. All India Radio(3 April 2026). Retrieved 3 April 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu election 2026: full list of AIADMK candidates(31 March 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ 77.0 77.1 IJK initiates seat-sharing talks with AIADMK. The Economic Times(26 February 2026). Retrieved 28 February 2026.
- ↑ 78.0 78.1 78.2 NDA Seat Sharing Finalised. DT Next(25 March 2026). Retrieved 25 March 2026.
- ↑ 79.0 79.1 79.2 79.3 TN will have 'double engine' NDA govt after polls, says PM Modi. The New Indian Express(24 January 2026). Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ↑ 80.0 80.1 80.2 Seat-sharing talks in NDA to begin after PM Modi's Tamil Nadu visit. The Week(26 February 2026). Retrieved 26 February 2026.
- ↑ AC Shanmugham party to contest 2 seats each on AIADMK and BJP Symbol. News Today(27 March 2026). Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ பாஜக வழங்கிய தொகுதியை அவர்களிடமே திருப்பி கொடுத்து விட்டோம்.. காரணத்துடன் ஏ.சி. சண்முகம் அறிவிப்பு. Samayam Tamil(3 April 2025). Retrieved 4 April 2025.
- ↑ ஸ்ரீரங்கம் தொகுதியில் முத்தரையர் சங்க நிர்வாகியை களமிறக்க பாஜக - அதிமுக திட்டம்?. The Hindu(8 March 2026). Retrieved 8 March 2026.
- ↑ 84.0 84.1 Another Party joined in AIADMK-led NDA Alliance. Dinamani(26 March 2026). Retrieved 26 March 2026.
- ↑ 85.0 85.1 85.2 TMBSP to contest on AIADMK ticket. Dina Thanthi(29 March 2026). Retrieved 29 March 2026.
- ↑ No surprises as BJP releases list of 27 candidates ahead of TN polls, Annamalai not contesting. The New Indian Express(3 April 2026). Retrieved 4 April 2026.
- ↑ 87.0 87.1 TMC(M) to contest 5 seats on Lotus Symbol. DT Next(24 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ NDA public meeting on January 23. One India(24 January 2026). Retrieved 1 February 2026.
- ↑ 89.0 89.1 South Indian Forward Bloc had decided to contest on BJP ticket on 1 seat. Dinamani(24 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ Thalapathy Vijay Launches Political Party, Names it Tamizha Vetri Kazhagam. Lokmat Times. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ Thalapathy' Vijay Launches Political Party: Thamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ Vijay's TVK confirms to contest solo for upcoming 2026 election. The Hindu. Retrieved 19 March 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Assembly elections: Full list of TVK candidates(30 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu set for 4-way battle after Vijay confirms solo contest. Daily Thanthi(25 January 2026). Retrieved 25 January 2026.
- ↑ Vijay to declare all 234 candidates on 28 March. The Telegraph(27 March 2026). Retrieved 27 March 2026.
- ↑ Ramadoss Sasikala join hands to field candidates for all 234 constituencies. The Hindu(20 March 2026). Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ Ramadoss released first list of 5 candidates. Dinamani(30 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ 98.0 98.1 Sasikala Released 21 candidates for first list. The Hindu(29 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2025.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu assembly election 2026: Ramadoss releases second list of candidates. The Times of India(31 March 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ Sasikala Released 38 candidates for 2nd list. Samayam Tamil(31 March 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ சசிகலா கட்சியில் இணைந்த ஐயப்பன்: மீண்டும் உசிலம்பட்டியில் போட்டி!. Dinamani(1 April 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ 102.0 102.1 102.2 Ramadoss releases list of 18 candidates. The New Indian Express(2 April 2026). Retrieved 3 April 2026.
- ↑ 103.0 103.1 4ஆம் கட்ட வேட்பாளர் பட்டியலை சசிகலா வெளியிட்டார். Maalai Malar(4 April 2026). Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ Sasikala announces her party's name: All India Puratchi Thalaivar Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam. The Hindu(13 March 2026). Retrieved 13 March 2026.
- ↑ 64 தொகுதிகளில் சசிகலா கட்சி போட்டி. The Hindu(2 April 2026). Retrieved 3 April 2026.
- ↑ 106.0 106.1 120 தொகுதிகளில் ராமதாஸ் சசிகலா அணி போட்டி. Samayam Tamil(11 April 2026). Retrieved 13 April 2026.
- ↑ 107.0 107.1 107.2 107.3 கூட்டணிக்கு 3... சொந்த வேட்பாளர்கள் 21... திருச்சி கிழக்கில் விஜய்யை எதிர்க்கும் சசிகலா கட்சி!. News18(30 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ Ramadoss to reveal Dravidian alliance choice. DT Next(27 February 2025). Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ↑ 5ஆம் கட்ட வேட்பாளர் பட்டியலை ராமதாஸ் வெளியிட்டார். Dinamalar(3 April 2026). Retrieved 6 April 2026.
- ↑ 110.0 110.1 110.2 Seeman in Karaikudi; NTK candidates for 234 seats announced. The New Indian Express(22 February 2026). Retrieved 5 March 2026.
- ↑ 111.0 111.1 111.2 Puthiya Tamilagam to go solo in TN polls; releases first list of 43 candidates. The New Indian Express(30 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ 112.0 112.1 புதிய தமிழகம் 2ம் கட்ட வேட்பாளர் பட்டியல் வெளியீடு. Daily Thanthi(31 March 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ AINRC to enter poll fray in Tamil Nadu during 2026 Assembly election. The Hindu(7 February 2025). Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ↑ NTK releases first list of candidates. DT Next(5 December 2025). Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ↑ 115.0 115.1 தமிழக வாழ்வுரிமைக் கட்சிக்கு கேமரா சின்னம் ஒதுக்கீடு!. Dinamani(1 April 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ தமிழக வாழ்வுரிமை கட்சி 170 தொகுதிகளில் போட்டியிடுகிறது. Dinamani(11 April 2026). Retrieved 12 April 2026.
- ↑ ECI reviews preparedness for the coming Assembly elections. The Hindu(27 February 2026). Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ↑ 118.0 118.1 BSP Tamil Nadu chief Anandan released list of 118 candidates and mentioned that still many accused were not arrested on Armstrong's Death. ETV Bharat(12 April 2026). Retrieved 11 April 2026.
- ↑ Puthiya Tamilagam party to decide on assembly election alliance soon. Daily Thanthi(3 March 2025). Retrieved 3 March 2025.
- ↑ 120.0 120.1 120.2 120.3 120.4 Template:Cite press release
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Election 2026: At least 404 candidates in T.N. have serious criminal cases against them. The Hindu(19 April 2026). Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ↑ TVK candidate list:
- TVK candidate list. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ SPA candidate list:
- DMK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- INC candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- DMDK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- VCK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- CPM candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- CPI candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- MDMK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ↑ ADMK+ candidate list:
- AIADMK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- BJP candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- PMK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- AMMK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- TMC(M) candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- IJK candidate list. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
- ↑ Court Orders Making Rules For Rallies By Political Parties. NDTV(18 September 2025). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu government notifies SOP for political meetings, rallies, other large public gatherings. The Hindu(7 January 2026). Retrieved 10 January 2026.
- ↑ DMK launched 'Oraniyil Tamil Nadu' enrolment drive. The Times of India(2 June 2025). Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ↑ CM Stalin launches Oraniyil Tamil Nadu, does not rule out more parties joining DMK bloc. The New Indian Express(2 July 2025). Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ↑ DMK launches campaign song for Tamil Nadu assembly elections. India Today(11 February 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ In manifesto, DMK promises homemakers ₹8,000 coupon for buying home appliances of choice. The Hindu(29 March 2026). Retrieved 30 March 2026.
- ↑ DMK Manifesto 2026(30 March 2026). Retrieved 30 March 2026.
- ↑ EPS launches AIADMK campaign logo for 2026 TN polls, gives out call to 'remove evil DMK govt'. ThePrint(5 July 2025). Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ↑ AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami launches 'Let's Protect the People, Let's Save Tamil Nadu' ahead of Tamil Nadu Assembly election. ANI News. Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ↑ 2026 - All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - Election Manifesto. The Hindu(24 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ NTK chief Seeman's first phase of poll campaigning from Monday. The New Indian Express(22 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ NTK manifesto pitches decentralised governance, anti-drug measures, and Tamil-centric policies. The Hindu(27 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ 'Vijay is coming': Tamil star kicks off Assembly poll campaign, targets DMK and BJP over broken promises. The Indian Express(14 September 2025). Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ↑ Vijay launches election campaign in Trichy, says TVK will make only practical and implementable promises. The Times of India(13 September 2025). Retrieved 8 November 2025.
- ↑ 39 die in stampede during TVK leader Vijay's Karur campaign. The Times of India(28 September 2025). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ TVK rally stampede highlights: Madurai Bench of Madras High Court to hear TVK's case on September 29. The Hindu(27 September 2025). Retrieved 30 October 2025.
- ↑ TVK leader sparks row with claim that DMK 'threatened' Rajinikanth. India Today(15 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ Nainar Nagenthran condemns Aadhav Arjuna's remarks against Rajinikanth. The Hindu(16 March 2026). Retrieved 4 March 2026.
- ↑ Rajinikanth vs Vijay Fan Wars? Posters Put Up In Madurai Against TVK Leader's Comments. News18. Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ Rajinikanth rejects TVK leader's claim that 'DMK pressure' derailed his entry into politics. The Times of India(17 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu election: Vijay, TVK cadre booked for conducting roadshow in violation of poll code. The Hindu(31 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ TVK Vijay promises drug free state and monthly assistance for students. The Economic Times(29 March 2026). Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ↑ 147.0 147.1 Opinion Poll: AIADMK to edge ahead of DMK in Tamil Nadu. IANS(15 March 2026). Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ 148.0 148.1 BJP surge in West Bengal, neck-and-neck fight for Stalin in Tamil Nadu - What opinion poll predicts(16 March 2026). Retrieved 21 March 2026.
- ↑ 149.0 149.1 Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ 150.0 150.1 ओपिनियन पोल: DMK-AIADMK में कांटे की टक्कर, 'वाइल्ड कार्ड' विजय, जानें जनता के मन की बात(23 March 2026). Retrieved 23 March 2026.
- ↑ 151.0 151.1 DMK leads by nearly 6%. ANI News(23 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ 152.0 152.1 DMK alliance to win 180 constituencies, securing 44.9 per cent vote share in TN polls: Survey. DT Next(23 March 2026). Retrieved 24 March 2026.
- ↑ 153.0 153.1 Lok Poll survey projects comfortable victory for DMK-led alliance with 40% vote share(23 March 2026). Retrieved 2 April 2026.
- ↑ 154.0 154.1 Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ 155.0 155.1 Fate of Tamil Nadu 3.0 Survey: DMK Faces Strong Anti-Incumbency(15 March 2026). Retrieved 17 April 2026.
- ↑ 156.0 156.1 234 தொகுதிகள் மெகா சர்வே ரிசல்ட்... யாருக்கு வெற்றி?(15 March 2026). Retrieved 18 April 2026.
- ↑ Template:Cite AV media
- ↑ 234 தொகுதிகளில் 84 தி.மு.க, 72 அ.தி.மு.க; விஜய் வெற்றி பெறுவாரா? தந்தி டி.வி இறுதிக்கட்ட சர்வே முடிவுகள்(20 April 2026). Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ↑ TamilNadu Election PRediction 2026 இன்று தேர்தல் நடந்தால் யார் வெற்றி பெறுவார்: தினமலர் - சாணக்யா கருத்துக்கணிப்பு(20 April 2026). Retrieved 20 April 2026.
- ↑ Assembly Elections 2026: EC bans exit polls from April 9 to April 29. The Economic Times(7 April 2026). Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ↑ 161.0 161.1 திமுக கூட்டணி 169 சீட்.. தவெக 1 சீட் மட்டுமே.. அக்னி நியூஸ் வெளியிட்ட சர்வே ரிசல்ட்!. One India(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ Axis My India projects chances for TVK to form government and others predicted for DMK. The Times of India(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ 163.0 163.1 163.2 163.3 163.4 163.5 163.6 163.7 Tamil Nadu Exit Polls 2026: Looking at the projections for the state. Money Control. Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Exit Poll Results 2026 Highlights: 4 exit polls predict 120 seats for DMK, Vijay's TVK can win between 10-40 seats. The Financial Express(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ 165.0 165.1 165.2 165.3 165.4 165.5 165.6 Exit Polls Results 2026 Highlights: BJP Edge in Bengal, Kerala Backs UDF, Tamil Nadu Chooses DMK+, NDA Leads Assam Race. Times Now(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu exit polls 2026: 3 out of 4 pollsters back Stalin return; TVK a key disruptor. The Times of India(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ 167.0 167.1 167.2 167.3 167.4 All exit polls show DMK lead, Axis My India says TVK to win minimum 98 seats(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ 168.0 168.1 Idam Valam Exit Poll : AIADMK alliance ahead, DMK close behind, TVK emerges as key disruptor(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ Today's Chanakya Predicts Edge for DMK(30 April 2026). Retrieved 30 April 2026.
- ↑ 170.0 170.1 Tamil Nadu Exit Polls 2026: Will Vijay Play Kingmaker In A Tight DMK Vs AIADMK Race?(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ 171.0 171.1 மின்னம்பலம் EXIT POLL முடிவுகள் 2026: ஆட்சி அமைக்கப் போவது யார்? எந்த கட்சிக்கு எத்தனை இடங்கள்? முழு விவரம்(29 April 2026).
- ↑ Can Thalapathy Vijay really storm Fort St. George? One Tamil Nadu exit poll gives him the spotlight(29 April 2026). Retrieved 29 April 2026.
- ↑ 2nd Term For DMK In Tamil Nadu, TVK To Do Better Than AIADMK: Today's Chanakya Exit Poll(30 April 2026).
- ↑ People's Insight Official X Account(29 April 2026).
- ↑ Kamakhya Analytics X Page(29 April 2026).
- ↑ Tamil Nadu SIR final electoral roll updates: 5.67 crore voters in State after deletion of nearly 70 lakh electors. The Hindu(23 February 2026). Retrieved 15 March 2026.
- ↑ Consitutency wise count(23 February 2026). Retrieved 1 April 2026.
- ↑ 178.0 178.1 Stage set for mega contest in Bengal's first phase, voting on all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu today, Sharma, Nikita(22 April 2026). Retrieved 23 April 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu elections 2026: Over 84% voter turnout in the State, highest in its electoral history. The Hindu(24 April 2026). Retrieved 24 April 2026.
- ↑ No rest for the wicked: Even as Tamil Nadu comes down from its election high, tensions are still rising. The Hindu(27 April 2026). Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu turnout dips to 85.1%; Chennai surges as EC adds 72,000 more votes. The Times of India(26 April 2026). Retrieved 27 April 2026.
- ↑ T.N. records lowest increase in votes polled during Assembly elections over the last 15 years. The Hindu(25 April 2026). Retrieved 25 April 2026.
- ↑ TVK chief Vijay does an MGR, but scores more in vote-share. newindianexpress(5 May 2026). Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Half a hit and all misses: Voters' verdict fails exit poll predictions in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal. the south first(4 May 2026). Retrieved 4 May 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu: 15 of 32 DMK ministers lose their bastions. thenewsminute(5 May 2021). Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu election results 2026: Full list of winners(4 May 2026). Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: Full list of winners and losers candidates from TVK, DMK & AIADMK(5 May 2026). Retrieved 5 May 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results 2026 Winners: TVK secures 108 seats; DMK wins 59 — check constituency-wise(4 May 2026). Retrieved 1 June 2026.
- ↑ 189.0 189.1 189.2 189.3 Vijay, TVK: How social media turned Indian film star into a political force in Tamil Nadu. www.bbc.com(2026-05-10). Retrieved 2026-05-11.
- ↑ 190.0 190.1 How Vijay Was Already Winning On Instagram Before Tamil Nadu Victory. NDTV(May 7, 2026).
- ↑ 191.0 191.1 Vijay, Tamil Nadu election results 2026: How a film star won in the Indian state. www.bbc.com(2026-05-05). Retrieved 2026-05-11.
- ↑ DMK’s fall in 2026: Anti-incumbency or something bigger?. thenewsminute(2026-05-06).
- ↑ 193.0 193.1 Vijay demolishes DMK's Chennai citadel in electoral debut. Deccan Herald(2026-05-05).
- ↑ 194.0 194.1 TVK Sweeps DMK Fortress Chennai: M. K. Stalin Among Those Who Bite The Dust. Outlook India(2026-05-04).
- ↑ Justice Party: 100 years of Dravidian movement. timesofindia(2026-05-05).
- ↑ Vijay's party breaks AIADMK's hold over western T.N.. the hindu(2026-05-05).
- ↑ 46 தனித் தொகுதிகளில் 24ல் தவெக ஆதிக்கம்.. சரிந்த திமுக, அதிமுகவின் கோட்டை.. விசிகவுக்கும் சேதாரம்!. Oneindia tamil(2026-05-05).
- ↑ தவெக தன்வசப்படுத்திய 24 தனி தொகுதிகள்.. விஜய் சாதித்தது எப்படி? தவறவிட்ட அந்த 22 தொகுதிகள்!. timesofindia Samayam tamil(2026-05-05).
- ↑ TN election results 2026: Heads likely to roll as BJP slips to single digit. DT next(2026-05-05).
- ↑ Tamil Nadu poll results: North, south, east, west-it's TVK wherever you look. timesofindia(2026-05-05).
- ↑ TVK changes Tamil Nadu's political landscape. the hindu(2026-05-06).
- ↑ 3,352 candidates forfeit deposit in T.N. Assembly polls. The Hindu(May 9, 2026).
- ↑ Focus shifts to tussle within AIADMK ahead of district secretaries’ meeting with EPS. the hindu(2026-05-18).
- ↑ TN Assembly polls: AIADMK, DMK together lost 25 per cent vote share in Vijay tsunami. indian express(May 6, 2026).
- ↑ TN Live: Governor Sends Back Vijay, Asks to Prove Majority. www.deccanchronicle.com(7 May 2026).
- ↑ TVK set to form government in Tamil Nadu. India TV(2026-05-05).
- ↑ 207.0 207.1 207.2 207.3 Tamil Nadu government formation: CPI, CPI(M) extend unconditional support to TVK; VCK may follow suit. The Hindu(2026-05-08). Retrieved 2026-05-08.
- ↑ Indian Film Star Vijay Sworn In as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister After Days of High Drama, Ramachandran, Naman. Variety(2026-05-10). Retrieved 2026-05-10.
- ↑ "Whatever decision TNCC takes on TVK, it must be approved by AICC": Tamil Nadu Congress incharge. ANI News. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ↑ 210.0 210.1 Tamil Nadu government formation: Number game, governor's pushback and resort politics — Vijay's crucial political test. The Times of India(2026-05-07). Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu government formation: DMK rejects overtures from AIADMK, sources say. The Hindu(2026-05-07). Retrieved 2026-05-07.
- ↑ ‘Forgery’, ‘misinformation’: TVK vs AMMK over letter of support to Vijay amid Tamil Nadu government suspense, Singh, Shivam Pratap. Hindustan Times(2026-05-09). Retrieved 2026-05-09.
- ↑ VCK, IUML extend unconditional support to Vijay’s TVK; alliance with DMK intact, says Thirumavalavan. The Hindu(2026-05-09). Retrieved 2026-05-10.
- ↑ TVK president Vijay to be sworn in as Chief Minister on May 10; T.N. set for coalition government. The Hindu(2026-05-09). Retrieved 2026-05-10.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Assembly session LIVE: Chief Minister Vijay's TVK wins trust vote with 144 ‘ayes’. The Hindu(2026-05-13). Retrieved 2026-05-13.
- ↑ 'Historic occasion': Tamil Nadu to get Congress ministers after 59 years as two party MLAs to take oath on Thursday. times of India. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu: Fifty years since the Congress faltered and never got back. times of India. Retrieved 2021-11-16.
- ↑ Tamil Nau CM Vijay expands his Cabinet; inducts 23 new Ministers, including two from Congress. deccan herald. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ How Brahmins became invisible in Tamil Nadu’s politics. times of India. Retrieved 2019-04-12.
- ↑ Vijay cabinet: Sengottaiyan gets revenue, Marie Wilson gets finance, S Ramesh gets HR&CE, new AI ministry. the federal. Retrieved 2026-05-21.
- ↑ VCK, IUML join Vijay’s Cabinet in Tamil Nadu. the hindu. Retrieved 2026-05-22.
- ↑ ECI orders probe into voting by foreign nationals in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election. The Hindu(2026-05-15). Retrieved 2026-05-17.
- ↑ About 25 foreign nationals arrested for fraudulent voting in Tamil Nadu Assembly poll. The Hindu(2026-05-14). Retrieved 2026-05-17.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu assembly elections 2026 | Video of plane full of voters heading home to vote goes viral. Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
- ↑ ‘Full flight coming home to vote’: IndiGo pilot’s message goes viral as NRIs return home for Tamil Nadu elections. The Indian Express(2026-04-24). Retrieved 2026-05-17.
- ↑ Democracy Takes Flight: Viral Video Shows Voters Flying Home For Tamil Nadu Assembly Polls. Asianet Newsable. Retrieved 2026-05-17.
- ↑ Three AIADMK MLAs resign from posts in Tamil Nadu, join TVK. The Hindu(2026-05-25). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu Speaker accepts Esakki Subbaiah’s resignation after initial rejection. The Times of India(2026-05-26). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ AIADMK rival factions reconcile two weeks after Legislature Party split. The Hindu(2026-05-27). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Our faction's support to TVK was not for cabinet berths, says SP Velumani. DT Next(2026-05-22). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Congress seeks Rajya Sabha seat from ally Vijay's TVK - The Economic Times. m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 2026-05-28.
- ↑ Anthem row escalates in Tamil Nadu as 'Tamil Thai Valthu' relegated behind Vande Mataram for third time. The Economic Times(2026-05-23). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Vijay’s government revokes order appointing astrologer Rickey Radhan Pandit as OSD (Political) to CM. The Hindu(2026-05-13). Retrieved 2026-06-02.
- ↑ Vellore TVK functionary expelled from party for demanding ‘₹1 lakh per month’ bribe from brick kiln operators. The Hindu(2026-05-26). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Vijay not named in FIR due to political reasons: Litigant complains before Madras High Court. The Hindu(2025-10-02). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Vijay government scraps tender within hours as DMK flags 6-hour bidding window, Jayachandran, Apoorva. India Today(2026-05-20). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ BJP criticises TVK government over law and order situation in Tamil Nadu. The Hindu(2026-05-24). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ LoP Udhaya slams TVK over 'law, order issues' in TN; VCK chief Thirumavalavan calls for stringent action, Service, Express News. The New Indian Express(2026-05-26). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ Opposition parties criticise CM Vijay over a spate of crimes across Tamil Nadu. The Hindu(2026-05-25). Retrieved 2026-05-27.
- ↑ 3 AIADMK MLAs resigned and joined TVK(25 May 2026). Retrieved 25 May 2026.
- ↑ Tamil Nadu CM Vijay resigns from Trichy East, retains Perambur seat. Retrieved 10 May 2026.