Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026 Live Updates: Vijay's TVK Nears Majority-Mark, Stalin Defeated From DMK Stronghold

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has bagged 62992 seats in total to win the Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni constituency. His key opponent, TVK's Selvam D could only secure 55,852 seats. 

BJP leader K Annamalai congratulated TVK chief Vijay for his party's big win in Tamil Nadu.

"I bow down to the people of TN for your verdict. Happy to see in my land, people have risen in one voice and spoken - No to buying of votes, no to dynastic Politics, & yes to a generational shift in politics. Whoever gets it done has actually done a favour to all!" he wrote in a post on X.

He added, "Congrats and best wishes to TVK & Vijay for a spectacular debut in TN politics. Let Almighty be with you to do what you intend to do. And to all NDA candidates, it was a hard-fought battle on the ground. Congrats to all those who won, and for those who couldn't register a victory this time, let's keep fighting."

Tamil Nadu appears all set to move away from its decades-long two party Dravidian dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. The star power of actor-turned-politician Vijay and the strategic campaigning of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) appear to have reshaped voter sentiment.

While filing his nominations, the actor declared assets worth over Rs 648 crore in the election affidavit. This makes him one of the wealthiest actor-politicians of India.

His movable assets are valued at over Rs 426 crore, while his immovable assets stand at Rs 222 crore, according to MyNeta website.

Of the total movable assets, more than Rs 330 crore is parked in deposits in Banks, financial institutions and non-banking financial companies.

Vijay has built this significant wealth primarily through his highly successful film career.

He has been a prominent name in Tamil cinema for over three decades and is known for iconic films such as Thuppakki (2012), Ghilli (2004), Mersal (2017).

He also earns through brand endorsements, along with investments in real estate.

He owns premium properties in Chennai and has multiple high end luxury cars such as BMW models, Lexus and Toyota Vellfire.

Read more here.

All eyes are on the Deputy Chief Minister in what was expected to be a safe seat. Udhayanidhi was locked in a surprisingly tight contest, at times trailing AIADMK's Aadirajaram. Historically a fortress for the Karunanidhi family, early EVM rounds suggest youth and urban voters in this constituency may be leaning towards promises of disruption by newer entrants.

As of 3:30 p.m., the prince had an edge over his TVK opponent Selvam. D by a margin of 4,319 votes. 

Tamil Nadu's Thanjavur seat has been claimed by TVK's R. Vijaysaravanan. In March, five of Vijay's fans had sustained injuries when their vehicles collided with each other while they were following him.

TVK's seat share declined to 105 after DMK's come back in the race. The 118 mark has been pushed further away from Vijay's party. 

DMK has gained an edge over its Dravidian rival AIADMK by 7 seats. The party has bagged a total of 59 seats so far. 

Hi guys! This is Khushi taking over updates till the verdict arrives. Stay tuned

DMK wins the Gudalur seat in Tamil Nadu with a total of 65,590 votes. AIADMK's Ponjayseelan lost by a margin of 22,833 votes.

#ResultsWithNDTV | Axis My India Founder Pradeep Gupta (@pradeepguptaami) shakes a leg after his Vijay prediction comes true in Tamil Nadu! pic.twitter.com/eekAy1NT3L

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026

Speaking to news agency ANI after the trends emerged, SA Chandrasekhar was every bit the proud father of Vijay. "First of all, as a father, I'm very proud and happy. Totally, me and my wife, because my wishes to my son because I've been seeing his confidence level over the last two years."

The actor's father recalled TVK chief telling him "I will be the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu."

Vijay looks set to become another actor from Tamil Nadu to make a blockbuster debut in politics. His party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), was on course for a surprise electoral show, leading in more than 100 seats after several rounds of counting of votes polled in the April 23 state assembly elections.

Vijay will join the likes of MGR and Jayalalithaa as the stars who made it big in the political firmament in Tamil Nadu. He also didn't repeat the mistakes of actors like Kamal Haasan and Vijayakanth, who had entered Tamil Nadu politics but couldn't leave their marks.

An explosive script that simply could not have been predicted (except by Axis My India exit pollsters!). A re-write of political history. That is what unfolded Monday as votes were counted for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, and actor-politician C Joseph Vijay, just Vijay to his adoring fans, stood on the brink of a historic debut win.

At 1 pm - after an early lead for the DMK was neutralised and the stuttering AIADMK's challenge seen off - the TVK was leading in 107 of the state's 234 seats, only 11 short of the majority mark and the right to form its own government.

As the leads stabilise, a pattern is emerging across Tamil Nadu’s most high‑profile constituencies. The Special Interim Revision (SIR) is now under intense scrutiny, as emerging data suggests that large‑scale voter deletions may have played a decisive role in aiding Thalapathy Vijay’s TVK and the AIADMK against the DMK.

In several key seats, the number of deleted voters far exceeds the current victory margins, triggering a political firestorm.

Kolathur: The CM’s Seat in Jeopardy?

In one of the biggest shocks of the day, TVK is leading in the Chief Minister’s own constituency.

Key numbers:

• Voter deletion: 75,715 voters removed after the SIR
• Current margin: TVK leading by 6,504 votes

Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni: A Razor‑Thin Survival

Udhayanidhi Stalin has managed to reclaim a slender lead against TVK, but the numbers underline how precarious the situation remains.

Key numbers:

• Voter deletion: 70,073 voters removed post‑SIR
• Current lead: 1,770 votes

The TVK Surge in Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East

The so‑called Vijay wave appears strongest in constituencies that witnessed significant shrinkage in voter strength.

Perambur

• Voter deletion: 61,280 from an original electorate of 2.84 lakh
• Current status: TVK leading

Tiruchirappalli East

• Voter deletion: 12,062 voters
• Current status: TVK leading in a former DMK stronghold

Edappadi: EPS Holds the Fortress

In western Tamil Nadu, Edappadi K. Palaniswami continues to hold firm despite the effects of the SIR.

Key numbers:

• Voter deletion: 24,818 voters removed
• EPS maintains a comfortable lead over his nearest rival, an Independent candidate. Unlike in several DMK seats, the AIADMK’s organisational strength appears to have absorbed the impact of the roll revision more effectively here.

As the leads for TVK continue to hold steady in double digits, analysts are looking closely at one specific demographic: the women of Tamil Nadu. Historically the backbone of the AIADMK (under Jayalalithaa) and the DMK’s welfare base, women voters were presented with a glittering array of promises by Vijay’s newly minted party this March.

The 'Gold and Silk' Gambit:

To counter the established giants, Vijay unveiled a deeply emotive, women-centric manifesto that went beyond simple utility. His headline promises included:

Monthly Financial Aid: A direct cash transfer of Rs 2,500 per month to women heads of households—comfortably outbidding both the DMK and AIADMK’s existing schemes.

The Wedding Kit: In a move that mirrors the legendary "Thaaliku Thangam" (Gold for Mangalsutra) scheme of the past, TVK promised a *silk saree and 8 grams of gold for every bride from a low-income family.

Educational Support: Free higher education for girl students in government schools, aimed at capturing the first-time woman voter.

TVK Cadres Dance, Whistle As Trends Show Vijay's Party Leads Tamil Nadu Battle#Vijay #ResultsWithNDTV #ElectionResults #AssemblyElections #TamilNaduElections #TVK pic.twitter.com/VdI6m1XXvp

— NDTV (@ndtv) May 4, 2026

Actor-turned politician and TVK chief Vijay is leading from the Perambur and Tiruchirappalli (East) constituencies. 

In the Perambur seat, he is leading by a margin of more than 2,990 votes, and by a margin of more than 3,299 in Tiruchirappalli (East), according to the Election Commission of India trends.

As the counting progresses, it is clear that the 2026 campaign essentially transformed into a massive "superstar" showdown of welfare promises. With the "woman voter" emerging as the absolute primary battleground, the major political fronts released manifestos heavily prioritizing women’s welfare, energy security, and sweeping infrastructure changes.

Here is a breakdown of the intense manifesto war that shaped today's mandate:

Chief Minister MK Stalin actively dubbed the DMK manifesto a "superstar" document due to its massive focus on homemakers. Their flagship promise was the Illatharasi Scheme, providing an Rs 8,000 coupon to homemakers to purchase or exchange domestic appliances. This signaled a calculated shift from direct cash handouts to consumer-led empowerment.

The AIADMK countered with a robust, traditional "gift" model, promising free refrigerators to all women heads of families holding rice ration cards. They also promised to double social security pensions to Rs 2,000 and match the DMK's current payouts with a monthly Kula Vilakku allowance.

Attempting to establish itself as a primary alternative, the BJP promised Rs 2,000 in monthly assistance to women heads of households. Additionally, they pledged a one-time grant of Rs 10,000 for every household in the state.

Energy policy emerged as a massive theme this year. Both the AIADMK and the BJP offered three free cooking gas cylinders annually. The BJP specified these would be distributed during Pongal, Tamil Puthandu, and Deepavali. The DMK, on the other hand, leaned heavily into a "green transition," promising to boost electric vehicle adoption by 30% by 2030 as a long-term cost-saving measure.

On the rural front, the AIADMK promised to hike the Minimum Support Price for paddy to Rs 3,500 per quintal.  Meanwhile, Vijay’s newly formed TVK teased a total crop loan waiver for small farmers owning less than five acres, ensuring the agrarian vote remained heavily split across the major fronts.

Does this mean that the state is actually moving away from the freebie model, and it would take a little more than a refrigerator and a monthly allowance for people's support now?

One of the most searched queries this morning is the "What If?" of a Vijay (TVK) and a AIADMK or BJP alliance. While Vijay’s campaign was rooted in "Tamil Nationalism" and often hit out at the "communal" politics of the center, the exit polls have thrown a curveball.

If Axis My India’s projection of 98–120 seats for TVK holds true, Vijay becomes the Kingmaker (or the King). In a hung assembly scenario, the BJP — which is looking to finally plant a flag in the Dravidian heartland — might find an unlikely partner in TVK to keep the DMK out. It’s the ultimate "frenemies" plotline that could redefine the state's politics by noon.

The irony of today’s battle isn't lost on Kollywood fans. Before they were political rivals, Udhayanidhi and Vijay shared a successful professional bond.

In 2008, Udhayanidhi Stalin made his grand entry into the film industry by founding Red Giant Movies. His very first production venture? The action-blockbuster 'Kuruvi', starring none other than Thalapathy Vijay.

Back then, Udhayanidhi was the producer betting on Vijay’s stardom; today, he is the politician fighting to keep his seat against a massive "Vijay wave" that seems to be pulling young voters away from the traditional Dravidian fold.

The Sun is facing an unexpected eclipse in central Chennai. Udhayanidhi Stalin, the face of the DMK’s next-generation leadership, is currently trailing behind AIADMK’s Aadirajaram in the high-profile Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency.

For a seat that has been the personal bastion of the Karunanidhi family for decades, these early EVM rounds are sparking a massive debate: Is the Tamil Nadu voter finally pushbacking against the "Dynastic" label?

While it is still early, the sight of the Deputy CM trailing in his own backyard has energised the opposition and the TVK camp alike.

The first major wave of trends is in, and the political map of Tamil Nadu is looking very different from the consensus exit poll predictions. As of 9:36 AM, the Election Commission of India (ECI) official figures show a surprising early surge for the opposition and the debutant X-factor.

Official Tally (234/234 Seats):

• AIADMK: Leading on 20 seats
• TVK (Vijay): Leading on 18 seats
• DMK: Leading on 9 seats
• INC: Leading on 2 seats
• PMK: Leading on 1 seat

The AIADMK has taken a significant early lead, particularly in its traditional strongholds, signaling a strong ground-level pushback against the incumbency. However, the biggest story of the morning is Thalapathy Vijay’s TVK, which is breathing down the neck of the established giants with 18 leads.

The morning of the results is turning out to be as exciting as a Vijay film, with TVK leading on 68 seats in early trends. Now, DMK and AIADMK are close behind, and it could really go anyway. 

If you're keeping up with the results here, on TV, and the ECI website, you must be as confused as the the leading/trailing data. 

Keep in mind that these are still early trends, and a clearer picture will be visible on DMK, TVK, and AIADMK's performance 10 am onwards.

As of now, the ECI website shows AIADMK's lead on 14 seats, TVK's lead on 13, and DMK's lead on 7 seats.

According to data from the EC website, TVK is leading on two seats, and CPI is leading on one seat. 

TVK's Saravanan G is leading in Srivaikuntam and G Ramamoorthi is leading in Trichy West. CPI's Marimuthu K is leading in Thiruthuraipoondi.

First official leads are out on the EC website, and TVK's Saravanan G is leading in Srivaikuntam.

Counting of votes cast through EVMs has begun at a counting centre in Tiruchirappalli, the constituency where actor-politician Vijay is making his electoral debut.

He is currently trailing in the seat, early leads show.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu Elections 2026 | Counting of votes cast through EVMs has begun at a counting centre in Tiruchirappalli. pic.twitter.com/Ur0tgKE5RJ

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2026

Seeman, the former filmmaker turned head of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), has become the voice of a radical, linguistic-based Tamil nationalism.

A staunch supporter of LTTE’s Velupillai Prabhakaran, Seeman has built a massive youth following by rejecting both the Dravidian and National parties. While he rarely wins seats, his vote share has been climbing steadily (reaching nearly 7% in previous rounds).

In a close race, Seeman is the 'Spoiler-in-Chief' — his party often eats into the DMK and AIADMK’s rural vote banks. 

Actor-politician Vijay is leading in the Perambur constituency, but trailing in Trichy East, early leads from Tamil Nadu show.

He is making his electoral debut by contesting in the two seats.

Can a former IPS officer dent the Dravidian ceiling? K. Annamalai has been the most aggressive face of the BJP in the South, but today is his ultimate litmus test.

Interestingly, Annamalai’s political origin story is tied to the silver screen; he famously resigned from the police force with the initial intent to help Rajinikanth build his political vehicle.

When the superstar backed out, Annamalai pivoted to the BJP, bringing a high-energy, man-to-man marking style to TN politics. However, after failing to find a spot on the 2026 candidate list, rumors of internal friction swirled.

If the BJP fails to secure a significant vote-share increase today, the central leadership may face a faceless conundrum: do they stick with Annamalai’s firebrand style, or return to a more traditional, conciliatory state leadership?

Early trends from the postal ballots are already out!

There's one lead each for Vijay's TVK, and Stalin's DMK. 

Early leads will start trickling in for high-profile seats like Kolathur (M.K. Stalin) and Edappadi (EPS).

Once the postal ballots are processed, the EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) counting will begin at 8:30 am. This is where the heavy data from 75,064 polling stations will start moving the needle.

Official ECI Updates: Expect the first verified numbers to hit the official ECI server around 8:45 AM.

As per the Election Commission’s strict protocol, the counting of votes for the 234-seat Tamil Nadu Assembly has officially commenced starting with postal ballots.

While these early leads represent only a fraction of the total vote — primarily from government officials and senior citizens — they often provide the first "mood of the state." Historically, these trends favor the incumbent, but with the record 85.1% turnout, all traditional theories are being put to the test this morning.

For the DMK, today isn't just about winning; it’s also about validating the Crown Prince.

Udhayanidhi Stalin has seen a meteoric rise from film producer to Deputy CM, but the ghost of "dynasty politics" remains his biggest hurdle.

While MK Stalin spent decades in the trenches before taking the top job, Udhayanidhi’s ascent has been rapid. Today’s result will answer a critical question: Has the DMK base accepted him as a leader in his own right, or is his popularity merely a reflection of the Karunanidhi-Stalin legacy?

If the DMK sweeps the urban belts where Udhayanidhi campaigned heavily, it’s a green signal for his eventual takeover. If they falter, the whispers within the party may grow into a roar.

With Thalapathy Vijay's TVK making its electoral debut, the inevitable question arises: will he replicate the success of MGR, or share the fate of Sivaji Ganesan? Tamil Nadu’s obsession with cinematic demigods has a deeply mixed electoral track record.

The 'Blockbusters' MG Ramachandran (MGR) and his protégé J Jayalalithaa seamlessly transitioned from cinema to absolute political dominance, ruling the state for decades through the AIADMK.

'Captain' Vijayakanth launched the DMDK in 2005, famously becoming the Leader of the Opposition in 2011, before his party’s influence completely faded in subsequent elections.

Cinema legend Sivaji Ganesan launched his own party in 1988 but faced a humiliating defeat. More recently, Kamal Haasan’s MNM has struggled to win a single seat since its launch.

And then there is the curious case of Rajinikanth, who kept the state guessing for 25 years, announced his political entry, and abruptly withdrew in 2020 citing health reasons.

Where will Vijay land on this spectrum? The EVMs unsealing right now hold the answer.

If you think a sudden post-poll pivot today is impossible, history suggests otherwise. Tamil Nadu's political landscape is famous for ideological pragmatism over rigidity.

The most prominent example remains the DMK joining the BJP-led NDA in 1999. The late M Karunanidhi, a stalwart of Dravidian rationalist ideology, aligned with the right-wing BJP under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, securing key portfolios at the Centre.

Similarly, the AIADMK has historically oscillated, famously bringing down the Vajpayee government in 1999, only to ally with the BJP again in later years (2019, 2024) before snapping ties.

Smaller players like the PMK are notorious for switching between the DMK and AIADMK camps based on the prevailing wind.

With counting about to be underway, political corridors in Chennai and Delhi are buzzing with hypothetical post-poll arithmetic. If the mandate fractures — as the Axis My India exit poll suggested — all eyes will be on Actor Vijay’s TVK and the BJP.

Throughout the campaign, Vijay positioned TVK as an alternative to the Dravidian duopoly, often taking veiled digs at divisive politics.

However, politics is the art of the possible. If the BJP secures a handful of seats and TVK emerges as a kingmaker, could we see an unexpected handshake?

For the BJP, allying with a massive, localized youth force like TVK would finally provide the deep penetration in Tamil Nadu they have sought for a decade. For TVK, national backing could mean immense bargaining power in the state.

This election has already made history before a single vote was counted. Tamil Nadu recorded a staggering 84.69% voter turnout — the highest participation rate since Independence, shattering the previous 2011 record of 78.29%.

District-Wise Highlights:

• Highest Turnout: Karur district led the state with a massive 92.62%.
• The urban surge was evident with Chennai at 83.73%, Coimbatore at 84.76%, and Madurai at 80.55%.

Historically, such a massive turnout indicates a strong wave or an intense desire for change. Whether this favors the incumbent or the "Vijay factor" will be clear in the next few hours.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed a massive setup for the TN Election counting day. Here is the timeline for the 234-seat battle:

• 08:00 AM: Counting of Postal Ballots begins. These early leads often set the initial mood but can change rapidly.
• 08:30 AM: EVM Counting starts. This is when the high-volume data from the 75,064 polling stations begins to filter in.

Counting is being conducted across 62 designated centres in Tamil Nadu under heavy security. Expect the first reliable set of trends by 10:00 AM.

Before the first numbers drop, here is a look at the Tamil Nadu Exit Poll results which have set the stage for a dramatic counting day. While most agencies give the edge to the DMK-led alliance, a massive "X-factor" has emerged in the form of Vijay’s TVK.

Agencies like People Pulse (125–145 seats), Matrize (122–132 seats), and P-MARQ (125–145 seats) all project a majority for the M.K. Stalin-led bloc.

The disruptor? Axis My India. It shook the status quo with its exit poll projection. It forecasted a potential earthquake in Dravidian politics with 98–120 seats for Vijay's TVK, potentially pushing the DMK below the 100-mark.

AIADMK's Stake?

EPS-led AIADMK is projected to hover between 60–100 seats according to various trackers, making them a critical player in any post-poll scenario.

Looking for the fastest way to track the Tamil Nadu election results counting?

How to track live trends:

While counting begins at 8:00 AM, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will start reflecting official trends on its website (results.eci.gov.in) starting 8:30 AM, once the EVM rounds stabilise.

Official Apps & Live Tracking:

• ECINET App: Download the official EC app for real-time, seat-wise leads on your smartphone.
• NDTV Profit Live Blog: For real-time analysis, market reactions, and the fastest updates on key constituencies, stay tuned to our continuous coverage right here.

Hello! It's 6:40 am, and the countdown is officially on. Whether you are tuning in from Chennai, Coimbatore, Madhurai, or anywhere across the globe, you are in the right place for the top trends, analysis, and the fastest updates, the sharpest data dives, and the first word on who is leading the race for Tamil Nadu.

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