Tamil Nadu assembly election results 2026: From MK Stalin to Vijay – key fights to watch across constituencies | India News
With polls ending in all 234 constituencies in a single phase on April 23, Tamil Nadu recorded one of its highest voter turnouts, crossing 84.80 percent. Counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, when the fate of the state will be decided. The election has turned into a high-stakes, multi-faceted contest. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, is seeking continuity based on its governance and welfare record. Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMKEdappadi is attempting a political comeback under the leadership of K Palaniswami victoryIts Tamilga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as a disruptive force, especially among urban and youth voters.
Kolathur: MK Stalin vs P Santhana Krishnan vs VS Babu
Kolathur is one of the most politically important constituencies in the state. Stalin is running for a fourth consecutive term here, having held the seat since 2011 and won comfortably in both 2016 and 2021 with over 60 percent vote share.He faces AIADMK’s P Santhana Krishnan, while TVK has fielded VS Babu.In the 2021 Assembly elections, Stalin secured 1,05,522 votes (60.9% vote share), defeating AIADMK’s Adirarajram, who got 35,138 votes, by a wide margin. In 2016, he won by 91,303 votes against AIADMK’s JCD Prabhakar, who got 53,573 votes.The constituency located in Chennai has become a dense residential-commercial area with increasing pressure on civic amenities. Voter turnout in this high-profile seat increased to 86.12 percent, compared to 61.68 percent in 2021, reflecting higher political engagement.
Perambur: C Joseph Vijay vs RD Shekhar
Perambu has emerged as a key battleground with Vijay’s electoral debut. He faces incumbent MLA RD Shekhar of DMK, while the AIADMK-led alliance has fielded M Thilagabama and NTK has nominated S Merlin Sriya Pushpam.In the 2021 election, Shekhar won with 1,05,267 votes (52.5% vote share), defeating AIADMK’s NR Dhanapalan, who got 50,291 votes. In 2016, the seat saw a narrow contest, with AIADMK’s P Vetrivel winning by just 519 votes.A working-class constituency in north Chennai, politics in Perambur is shaped by labor issues and civic concerns. Voter turnout rose sharply to 89.74 percent from 63 percent in 2021, making it one of the most closely watched seats.
Tiruchirappalli (East): C Joseph Vijay vs G Rajasekaran
Tiruchirappalli (East), an entirely urban constituency, emerged as a key contest in the field against AIADMK’s G Rajasekaran with victory.In the 2021 assembly elections, DMK’s S. Inigo Irudayaraj won with 94,302 votes (54.56% vote share), defeating AIADMK’s N. Vellamandi Natarajan by a margin of 53,797 votes.The constituency has historically swung between the DMK and the AIADMK, with the DMK winning a decisive victory in the last election. Vijay’s appearance has ushered in a new shift, especially among urban and young voters.
Bodinayakanur: O Panneerselvam vs. VT Narayanasamy
Bodinayakanur in Theni district is the home turf of former chief minister and Panneerselvam, who is now contesting on a DMK ticket. He faces AIADMK’s VT Narayanasamy.In the 2021 elections, Panneerselvam won by 1,00,050 votes, defeating DMK’s Thanga Tamil Selvan by 11,021 votes. He won from this seat in 2016 and 2011 as an AIADMK candidate.Historically dominated by the AIADMK, the seat has been won by the party seven times since 1977, while the DMK has won twice, making it an important test of shifting loyalties.
Edappadi: Edappadi K Palaniswami v. Kasi C
Edappadi, based in Salem district, is a key contest featuring AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is seeking to retain his stronghold. He faces DMK’s Kasi CIn the 2016 assembly elections, Palaniswami won with 98,703 votes, defeating PMK’s Annadurai NK by 42,022 votes. In 2011, he polled 1,04,586 votes, winning by a margin of 34,738 votes.
Mylapore: Tamilisai Sundararajan vs Dha Velu vs P Venkataramanan
Mylapore is witnessing a three-way contest between DMK’s Dha Velu, BJP’s Tamilisai Soundarajan and TVK’s P Venkataramanan. Soundarajan is the former Governor of Telangana. In the 2021 election, Velu won with 68,392 votes (44.95% vote share), AIADMK’s R. defeated Nataraj, who got 55,759 votes. In 2016, the seat was won by Nataraj.The constituency recorded 74.89 percent voter turnout this year, up from 56.24 percent in 2021. As one of the oldest and most culturally significant areas of Chennai, Mylapore remains a politically influential urban seat.
Chepauk-Thiruvalikeni: Udayanidhi Stalin vs Adirarajaram
Chepauk–Thiruvalikeni is an important constituency where DMK Deputy Chief Minister Udayanidhi Stalin, TVK’s D Selvam are also contesting against AIADMK’s Adirarajaram.In the 2021 election, Udayanidhi Stalin won with 93,285 votes (67.9% vote share), defeating PMK’s Kasali AVA, who contested as part of the AIADMK alliance.Voter turnout increased from 57.82 percent to 84.28 percent in 2021, reflecting increased participation in this high-profile seat.
Sriperumbudur: K Selvaperunthagai vs K Palani vs K Thenarasu
Sriperumbudur is witnessing a three-way contest between Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai, AIADMK’s K Palani and TVK’s K Thennarasu.In the 2021 election, Selvaperunthagai won with 1,15,353 votes (43.65% vote share), defeating Palani by 10,879 votes. In 2016, Palani won the seat by a margin of 10,716 votes.Voter turnout increased to 86.09 percent this year from 74 percent in 2021. Known for its industrial base, the constituency is a leading indicator of labor and economic sentiment
Sattur: Nayanar Nagendran vs Polygon Field
Sattur, located in Virudhunagar district, is witnessing a contest between BJP state president Naynar Nagendran and Ajith M from TVK.In the 2021 elections, MDMK’s ARR Raghuraman (contesting on the DMK symbol) won by securing 74,174 votes, defeating AIADMK’s RK Ravichandran by 11,179 votes.The constituency has fluctuated between DMK and AIADMK over the years, making it a competitive seat where vote-splitting could play a decisive role.
What are the risks?
The 2026 elections are not only about the formation of the next government, but also about the future of Tamil Nadu’s political structure.For Stalin and the DMK, it is about continuity, consolidation and potentially achieving a sustained tenure. For the AIADMK, it is about revival after internal challenges from the post-Jayalalitha phase. For Vijay’s TVK, the first big test is whether celebrity-driven mobilization can translate into electoral success.
