TAMIL NADU, (India): The voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 was held on Thursday (April 23). The voting across all the 234 constituencies began at 7am in the morning and concluded at 6pm, with a record 84.73 per cent turnout.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, which will reveal who will run the state next. The current Assembly term ends on May 10.
DMK’s “Rising Sun” vs AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” comeback push
At the centre of this election is the familiar face-off between the two Dravidian giants. The ruling DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is hoping to hold on to power with its “Rising Sun” symbol shining again in 2026. On the other side, the AIADMK, under the “Two Leaves” banner, is trying to stage a comeback after losing ground in the last election.
The DMK camp, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has projected confidence throughout the campaign. Stalin himself is contesting from Kolathur in Chennai, a constituency closely watched as a symbol of his political strength. His son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is also in the race from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni.
In response, AIADMK chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting from Edappadi in Salem district.
Vijay’s TVK enters the race
One of the biggest talking points of this election is the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). For the first time, Vijay is testing his political strength on a full scale.
What has surprised many is the ambition of his debut move. TVK has fielded candidates in all 234 constituencies across Tamil Nadu, showing that it is not playing safe or limited. Vijay himself is contesting from two seats: Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East.
With 4,023 candidates, multiple alliances, and a new political entrant shaking things up, this election is far from simple.
Polling ends across all constituencies amid record turnout
The Chief Election Commissioner of India, Gyanesh Kumar on Thursday announced that both Tamil Nadu and West Bengal recorded the highest voter turnout since India’s Independence.
While West Bengal recorded a voter turnout of 91.83 per cent in its first phase of polls, Tamil Nadu saw 84.73 per cent polling. The turnout numbers are provisional and could be updated
ECI revises Tamil Nadu turnout to 84.41 per cent. This is provisional data and may be updated. - The Statesman/ANN
