4 May, Posted at 9:50 PM IST
On May 4, 2026, Tamil Nadu witnessed a dramatic political transformation as actor-turned-politician Vijay emerged as a major force in the state assembly elections. His party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), contested all 234 seats independently and delivered a stunning performance.
According to early trends, TVK has won or is leading in 107 constituencies, just short of the 118 seats required for a simple majority. This marks a significant breakthrough for a party that entered politics only recently.
The results signal the collapse of Tamil Nadu’s long-standing two-party dominance between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which has defined the state’s political landscape for over six decades.
The DMK, led by M.K. Stalin, has been reduced to around 60 seats. Notably, Stalin himself has reportedly lost his Kolathur constituency. Meanwhile, the AIADMK is trailing with approximately 47 seats, further highlighting the scale of the political shift.
One of the key factors behind TVK’s rise is Vijay’s immense popularity, particularly among young voters, first-time voters, women, and the urban middle class. His extensive fan base, organized into over 1.5 million grassroots workers, played a crucial role in booth-level mobilization.
Another major factor is strong anti-incumbency against the DMK government. Issues such as unmet promises, rising inflation, and allegations of corruption contributed to voter dissatisfaction. A high voter turnout of around 85 percent amplified this sentiment.
TVK positioned itself as a fresh alternative, focusing on governance and reform while directly targeting the ruling DMK. The party also built a strong presence across northern Tamil Nadu, delta regions, major cities, and southern districts.
As the results stand, TVK is close to forming the government. In case it falls short of a majority, support from the Indian National Congress and Left parties such as CPI and CPM could prove decisive. Smaller parties may also extend outside support.
This election marks a turning point in Tamil Nadu politics, potentially leading to the state’s first major non-Dravidian government in decades. Whether Vijay can meet the high expectations now rests to be seen.
Raftaar e Deccan Newsdesk is the central editorial desk of Raftaar e Deccan, responsible for compiling, editing, and publishing breaking news, official statements, and verified inputs from reporters and agencies.
