DMK-Congress and AIADMK-BJP alliances clash as over 4,000 candidates contest; actor Vijay adds new political momentum
Tamil Nadu election 2026
Tamil Nadu goes to polls today in a single phase, as authorities conduct voting across all 234 constituencies. Meanwhile, the AIADMK and BJP contest the elections together in an alliance, while the ruling DMK joins hands with Congress to face them. In addition, actor Vijay’s party, TVK, fields candidates in all 234 seats, intensifying the competition.
More than 4,000 people are running for office, and more than 50 million people are expected to vote. In some areas, both the Congress and the BJP are running separately, which makes the election even more complicated.
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin contests from the Kolathur constituency, while his son Udhayanidhi Stalin enters the fray from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. Importantly, Stalin has consistently contested from Kolathur since 2011.
At the same time, actor Vijay contests from two constituencies—Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur—expanding his political reach.
On the other hand, AIADMK chief and NDA’s Chief Ministerial candidate Edappadi K. Palaniswami contests from Edappadi, a seat he has represented since 2011. Similarly, O. Panneerselvam contests from Bodinayakanur after recently switching from AIADMK to DMK ahead of the elections.
Furthermore, BJP candidate and former Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan contests from Mylapore, while BJP state leader Nainar Nagendran contests from Sattur.
Tamil Nadu’s Legislative Assembly has 234 seats in total. In the previous election, the DMK secured 133 seats and formed the government with Congress and other allies. In contrast, the AIADMK won 60 seats, BJP secured 4, and PMK won 3 seats.
Tamil Nadu election 2026
