DMK workers seen packing up at Chennai office as TVK show pushes party to 3rd spot
Early counting trends in Tamil Nadu showed the AIADMK, Vijay's TVK and the DMK locked in a close contest. The numbers hinted at TVK's emergence as a major player as the mood at the DMK headquarters turned grim.
A subdued mood set in at the DMK headquarters on counting day, with party cadres seen packing up even as early trends pointed to a strong showing by rivals. At Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, tents were being removed as the party slipped to a distant third position in early trends. The temporary awning put up at the party office was being dismantled, chairs were removed, and workers quietly dispersed, reflecting growing concern within the camp as initial leads held.
According to early data from the Election Commission, the AIADMK was leading in 16 constituencies, while actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was close behind with leads in 15 seats. The DMK, by contrast, was ahead in 8 constituencies at this stage.
The AIADMK was leading in seats including Veppanahalli, Harur, Cheyyar, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Coonoor, Kavundampalayam, Pollachi, Manapparai, Ariyalur, Panruti, Cuddalore, Tenkasi and Alangulam. TVK, in its first major electoral outing, surged ahead in key constituencies such as Madhavaram, Thiruvottiyur, Egmore, KV Kuppam, Modakkurichi, Kangayam, Kinathukadavu, Tiruchirappalli (West and East), Thanjavur, Thoothukudi, Srivaikuntam and Radhapuram.
The DMK was leading in Vellore, Manachanallur, Perambalur, Kunnam, Thiruvarur, Madurai East, Tiruchendur and Vasudevanallur. The Congress was ahead in two seats, while the PMK was leading in one.
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026 Live Updates
TVK EMERGES AS DISRUPTOR
Early reports indicated that TVK may be outperforming expectations, closely trailing — and in some places overtaking — the state’s established Dravidian parties. Early trends suggested an advantage for Vijay in both Tiruchi (East) and Perambur constituencies.
In several segments, TVK pushed the AIADMK to third position, while also eating into the DMK’s vote base. If these trends hold, TVK is poised to emerge as a major political force in Tamil Nadu, potentially replacing the AIADMK as the principal opposition party.
END OF BIPOLAR DOMINANCE?
For decades, Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape has been defined by a bipolar contest between the DMK and AIADMK. However, the early momentum in favour of TVK indicates a possible shift towards a three-cornered contest.
With counting still underway, the final outcome remains uncertain. But the initial trends, coupled with visible unease at the DMK headquarters, suggest that Tamil Nadu’s political equilibrium could be undergoing a significant realignment.
A subdued mood set in at the DMK headquarters on counting day, with party cadres seen packing up even as early trends pointed to a strong showing by rivals. At Anna Arivalayam in Chennai, tents were being removed as the party slipped to a distant third position in early trends. The temporary awning put up at the party office was being dismantled, chairs were removed, and workers quietly dispersed, reflecting growing concern within the camp as initial leads held.
According to early data from the Election Commission, the AIADMK was leading in 16 constituencies, while actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) was close behind with leads in 15 seats. The DMK, by contrast, was ahead in 8 constituencies at this stage.
The AIADMK was leading in seats including Veppanahalli, Harur, Cheyyar, Dharapuram, Perundurai, Coonoor, Kavundampalayam, Pollachi, Manapparai, Ariyalur, Panruti, Cuddalore, Tenkasi and Alangulam. TVK, in its first major electoral outing, surged ahead in key constituencies such as Madhavaram, Thiruvottiyur, Egmore, KV Kuppam, Modakkurichi, Kangayam, Kinathukadavu, Tiruchirappalli (West and East), Thanjavur, Thoothukudi, Srivaikuntam and Radhapuram.
The DMK was leading in Vellore, Manachanallur, Perambalur, Kunnam, Thiruvarur, Madurai East, Tiruchendur and Vasudevanallur. The Congress was ahead in two seats, while the PMK was leading in one.
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026 Live Updates
TVK EMERGES AS DISRUPTOR
Early reports indicated that TVK may be outperforming expectations, closely trailing — and in some places overtaking — the state’s established Dravidian parties. Early trends suggested an advantage for Vijay in both Tiruchi (East) and Perambur constituencies.
In several segments, TVK pushed the AIADMK to third position, while also eating into the DMK’s vote base. If these trends hold, TVK is poised to emerge as a major political force in Tamil Nadu, potentially replacing the AIADMK as the principal opposition party.
END OF BIPOLAR DOMINANCE?
For decades, Tamil Nadu’s electoral landscape has been defined by a bipolar contest between the DMK and AIADMK. However, the early momentum in favour of TVK indicates a possible shift towards a three-cornered contest.
With counting still underway, the final outcome remains uncertain. But the initial trends, coupled with visible unease at the DMK headquarters, suggest that Tamil Nadu’s political equilibrium could be undergoing a significant realignment.
