Tiruchirappalli East Election Result 2026 Highlights: TVK's Vijay wins Trichy East, party dedicates mandate to Karur victims

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Vijay wins Trichy East by beating DMK and AIDMK by gaining a lead of over 25k votes.

A sensational show form the TVK chief, beating DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj, a sitting MLA. 

He has won in Perambur too. The TVK leader is poised to become the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, with the party leading in over 100 seats as of 5:30 pm IST. 

A supporter of Vijay's TVK walked on her knees from ECR to TVK headquarters in Panaiyur. Take a look:

TVK's Aadhav Arjuna, who is leading DMK's Karthik Mohan in Villivakam, has lashed out at DMK, saying people's mandate for TVK is the end of dynasty politics. 

He also dedicated TVK's stunning result to the victims of the Karur Stampede. 

“This is a revolution led by women and youth. After 50 years—after 50 years—today is the day a new revolution has taken shape in Tamil Nadu. It is the day monarch-style rule has been dismantled. It is the day people, women, and youth have written an end to family dominance that comes to power by birth," he told reporets in Chennai.

"Particularly after our leader’s Tiruvarur campaign, from the moment the DMK’s family and Mr. M. K. Stalin became a major reason behind the loss of 41 lives in Karur, the women and youth of Tamil Nadu had been counting the days to put an end to the DMK’s oppressive rule.

"They tried to block our leader’s campaign. They spread slander on television, and in media organisations they claimed that Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam would not win even 10 MLAs. There were severe restrictions placed on our leader, to the point where he could not campaign freely anywhere. The rulers themselves opposed us. They would say they never even spoke about Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, but the government itself stood against us and staged a drama against TVK. This family kept staging dramas and indulged only in corruption.

"From Karur onwards, the kind of criticism and humiliation directed at our leader Vijay—despite that, we have been saying for six months that the people of Tamil Nadu would bring change. We said our vote share would cross 40%. We said this was the ground reality. But parties with 75 years and 50 years of history mocked us.

"We took a peaceful path—carrying our leader’s name, our campaign, and our policies. In every campaign, our leader pointed out the mistakes of the DMK and said a new government would be for women, for youth, and for the people. His campaign has completely transformed Tamil Nadu politics. This is history—today is history—history that even India did not expect.

"We dedicate this historic victory to the families of the 41 people we lost in Karur.* This victory of our leader Vijay, and of our candidates, is because women saw him as their son, their brother, their family—an emotional, trustworthy leader. They saw all our candidates as part of their own families. That is why today Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has achieved a massive victory.

'WE DIDN'T GIVE EVEN RS 1 FOR VOTES'

"The DMK’s money politics—this election has shown one victory: a victory for democracy in Tamil Nadu. When Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has achieved such success without giving even Rs 1 for votes, it means the people of Tamil Nadu have rejected the culture of money politics. They have rejected caste politics. They have rejected religious politics.

"Our leader Vijay now lives in the emotions and trust of the people, in every family. Tamil Nadu has realised this today. All media organisations have realised this. Journalists have realised this," he said.

Historic! Vijay Dhamu, an auto driver from Royapuram, one of the busiest constituencies in North Chennai, has won. The TVK leader defeated AIADMK stongman P Jayakumar. 

Vijay Dhamu has defeated AIADMK strongman and former Minister D Jayakumar and DMK's Subair Khan who is son of former Minister Rahman Khan.

Sivakarthikeyan, who worked with Vijay on GOAT, has sent his congratulatory message for the TVK chief. 

"Congratulations to Vijay sir for creating such a huge impact on the people in his very first electoral contest and achieving this victory ?? It's an added joy that you hail from the film industry, and best wishes for your public service to shine, sir," he said. 

What a shocker! After three successive terms as MLA from Kolathur, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has lost the constituency.

He has been defeated by former DMK member V. S. Babu, who left the AIADMK to join TVK.

This marks only the third time M. K. Stalin has lost an Assembly election. He had earlier lost to K. A. Krishnaswamy in 1984 and 1991 from the Thousand Lights constituency.

Actor Vikram, who has been a good friend of Thalapathy Vijay wishes the TVK chief for the massive mandate in Tamil Nadu. 

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan congratulated Vijay, saying the people of Tamil Nadu has shown faith in him.

However, she takes a dig at DMK, saying she is not sure whether the Tamil Nadu verdict is a result of a Vijay wave or a wave of hatred against DMK. 

"Our work for the state will continue, regardless of the result," she told the press in Chennai. 

"People have shown their trust. I don’t want to criticise that. People have shown faith in him and I have a feeling that Vijay will be able to repay that faith. I think people have shown faith in a new face. 

"I don’t know if it’s Vijay’s wave or a wave of hatred against the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu," she said.

SA Chandrasekhar, Vijay's father, has distanced himself from coalition talks. 

"I don't know anything about coalition talks. You asked me how I was feeling, I was responding as a father. But, he is my leader. I am a volunteer of the party. So, I don't know. But, I am sure, he will do good to the people of Tamil Nadu," he said. 

The decorated filmmaker visited Lord Murugan temple in Thiruttani. He spoke about how hundreds of peoplle spoke dearly about Vijay's success. 

"I woke up at 3:30 am and went to Thiruttani temple. Whoever I met was jumping in joy. They said 'We voted and our brother won. They didn't say our leader won, they said our brother won'. Vijay has always maintained that he doesn't want to come to power as a leader, but as a friend, family member. He wants to create a corruption-free Tamil Nadu. He is determined to do it. I am as happy as the people of Tamil Nadu. 

"The courage to contest the election alone is noteworthy. He was sure that people would give them their mandate only if he contented alone," he said. 
 

Rohini Theater, one of the oldest cinema halls in Chennai, has been one of the favourite spots for Vijay fans to celebrate his movie releases. Today, the owner of the theatre, Revanth Charan, is inching towards a landslide victory in Maduravoyal. 

Vijay's friend and actor, Srinath, is leading in Thoothukudi by a huge margin over DMK's P. Geetha Jeevan. 

TVK's Vijay is leading DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj, the sitting MLA from Trichy East, by over 16,000 votes after nine rounds of counting in the constituency. 

1. Joseph Vijay - 36, 895 votes
2. Inigo Irudayaraj (DMK) - 23,395 votes
3. G Rajasekaran (AIADMK) - 9,835 votes
4. DR. V. Krishnasamy (NTK) - 1,781 votes

Vijay's mother Shoba, and his cousins, were seen singing a few lines from 2013-hit track, Kodambakkam Area, from Sivakasi. The lines spoke of Vijay's aspirations to become a Chief Minister back in 2013. 

Actor and director RJ Balaji extended his wishes to actor-politician Vijay, who is on the cusp of victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election. Take a look:

Tambaram City Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar arrives at TVK headquarters in Panaiyur, Chennai. Vijay's party, TVK, is leading in 110 seats. 

SA Chandrasekhar, while speaking to the media, extended a hand to Congress. He said that Congress has been diminishing in politics due to lack of power and by supporting other parties. He said, "We will give that power. Not we, Vijay is ready to give." 

Here's the video:

"She is her first fan," says SA Chandrasekhar as Vijay's mother Shoba beams with pride. 

"I am so happy," she says when asked to respond to Vijay's sensational debut in Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections. 

Vijay's TVK is still inching towards that magic number of 118. They are now leading in 108 seats, as of 1:50 pm IST. 

Meanwhile, Vijay's father, SA Chandrasekhar, says TVK is ready to have Congress as part of a post-poll alliance. 

"Congress lost is power by supporting other parties. Vijay is ready to give power to congress," he said.

Vijay's father, SA Chandrasekhar, speaking to ANi, said his son wanted to do something good for the people of Tamil Nadu, harbouring thoughts of servicing the public for he last 30 years. 

He is confident that the TVK chief will bring about change in the state. 

"I motivated him. I wanted him to be a human being, not just an artist. I wanted to think socially," he said. 

"In the last 30 years, he had been thinking that he had to do something for society, for the Tamil people. It was there in his mind. 

"Tamil people loved him, not only as a leader. Every lady considers him as his own son. Young people consider him their own brother. Everyone calls him Anna. Anna means brother. Old ladies, they consider him their own son. Some 60-year-old ladies they are consider him their grandson. He has developed that relationship between the public and him."

Well, another major development from Chennai. Vijay's co-star and good friend, Trisha Krishnan, is at Vijay's Neelankarai residence in Chennai. She visited the Tirumala Temple earlier today, which is also her birthday. 

The lead is swelling. Vijay is leading DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj by nearly 10,000 votes after six rounds of counting. 16 more rounds to go.

It's safe to say that Vijay is all set to win Trichy East. 

Well, AIADMK's National Spokesperson Apsara Reddy, speaking to India Today, said Edapadi Palaniswamy's party will not be averse to the idea of supporting VIjay if the whole idea is to keep DMK out of it. 

"You know, to do something like that, it might hypothetically evolve, but the decision is ultimately left to the party. I think if the objective is to keep the DMK out, then the AIADMK may not be averse to the idea. I’m sticking my neck out here and saying that if such a proposal comes, I don’t think the party would say no to that alliance," Apsara Redy said. 

When asked what would happen if the TVK decides to form the government on its own (with outright majority) or with support from smaller parties, Apsara added: "I think it’s very early to do that kind of arithmetic. We need to wait until all the rounds are counted across constituencies. I’m still very confident that the AIADMK will register a significant vote share and a strong number of seats, and we will remain very relevant in Tamil Nadu politics."

Vijay's lead over DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj is now over 6,000 votes. 

C Joseph Vijay has polled 16,579 votes, 6499 more than Irudayaraj. 

At the third place is G Rajasekaran of AIADMK and he has polled 4734. Comfortably, a distant third. 

Popular film director Venkat Prabhu, who made Greatest of All Time (GOAT) with Thapathy Vijay, has put out a tweet, celebrating what looks like a TVK landslide in Tamil Nadu.

Legendary actor Sathyaraj's son, Sibi, who declared support to Vijay before the polls, is now celebrating. 

Tamil Nadu Congress leaders and cadres have indicated that the party is willing to extend support to TVK if it falls short of a majority. They have conveyed this position to the party’s in-charge secretary, while the final decision will be taken by the high command, our reporter Nagarjun Dwarakanath reports. 

This was expected, considering how there were murmurs of Congress joining hands with TVK even before the polls. 

Vijay's father leads 'whistle Podu' celebrations at his residence. The entire family of Vijay seems to be enjoying the breakthrough that the TVK chief has had in Tamil Nadu. 

What if TVK doesn't get the magic number of 118? It's past noon in Tamil Nadu and the trends show Vijay's TVK is the closest to forming the government. They are ahead in more than 100 seats with AIADMK next in 66 seats. Meanwhile, DMK has gone past the 60-seat mark. 

Here's Abhishek De explaining what TVK might do in order to form the government. Will they join hands with AIADMK and their allies? Will they get the backing of Congress and VCK? 

Read Here: Vijay's whistle podu  - Options before TVK to form govt in Tamil Nadu

CM MK Stalin is now trailing by over 5000 votes in Kolathur, which has been his stronghold. Seven rounds of counting have been completed in this constituency. 

TVK's VS Babu is leading in Kolathur. 

DMK hasn't been able to even retain 25 percent of votes from last election. Everybody was wondering whose votes will TVK, Vijay's new party, will eat into. And the answer is here. It's the DMK's votes that they have eaten into. 

Look at his numbers below. 

Popular singer and activist TM Krishna has opened up about Vijay's lead in the Tamil Nadu Elections. 

"All of us underestimated Vijay," he told DeKoder.

"We did underestimate Vijay. The fact of the matter is elections are about selling imagination. And Tamil Nadu, with its social indicator, education and all basic parameters way above every other state, most parties were not able to find the new imagination. That's what I think Kamal Hasan struggled with. Rajinikanth left the fray early.

"What has Vijay done? That's the question we must be asking. I think he has opened up this whole version of icon worship back into Tamil Nadu politics. He doesn't say much about development, he doesn't say much about tactile and all that. It's just the image that he has tapped into. It is fascinating.

"I don't think it's just the younger voters. It is interesting he has sold an imagination without saying anything. Developmental politics has reached a point where you can't keep saying that again and again. He has just provided an imagery and what that imagery is we don't know yet."

Vijay, TVK's chief, now leads DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj by over 5,000 votes. According to the Election Commision of India, three rounds out of 22 of counting are done. 

The mood is upbeat in the Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam camp. In Coimbatore, TVK party cadres have begun celebrating. TVK is now leading in 109 seats while AIADMK and its allies are leading in 73. DMK and its allies are now leading in 52 seats. 

Keep in mind, the magic number to form the government in Tamil Nadu is 118. 

As of 11 am, Vijay's TVK is leading in 105 constituencies, followed by AIADMK in 90 seats. MK Stalin-led DMK is experiencing a shocking result as they are leading in only 99 seats.

Vijay's father and popular director, SA Chandrasekhar, has seemingly returned from his visit to Thiruttani temple. 

In a viral social media clip, the celebrated director can be seen celebrating Vijay's early lead with his family members. 

A DMK party member clarified that chairs from an event yesterday were being removed from the party headquarters in Tamil Nadu and many mistook it as a sign of retreat from the party. 

"Our leader has done so much for women in the state. You come back and see the election results after 1 pm. I am sure DMK will come back to power," he says. 

"I am a huge fan of Vijay. We came here to support him. We are leading right now. We are expecting more than 130 seats. We are very proud of Vijay. Everyone wants change. It is like a tsunami...Vijay will be the next Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu," sas one of Vijay's fans, who has gathered outside Vijay's Panayur residence. 

Expect some heavy traffic jams near Panayur today as more fans are expected to throng the actor's residence. 

According to early trends, Vijay's TVK has gone past 100 now in Tamil Nadu.

Security beefed up outside party leader Vijay's house in Panayur, Chennai. Police officials are making their way towards the TVK Chief's house. 

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay leads DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj by over 3,000 votes now after the second round of counting in Trichy East. 20 more rounds of counting to go.

But, TVK and Vijay are doing very well across Tamil Nadu in early trends. 

Vijay's friend and actor Sriman has begun celebrating, based on early trends. Sriman is also a noted actor, who has worked extensively in Tamil cinema. 

Watch the exclusive interview of Felix Gerald of TVK. 

TVK party member Felix Gerald, speaking to India Today, said that he is confident of Vijay's party forming the government in Tamil Nadu without the support of any other party.

After a couple of rounds of counting, TVK is leading in Tamil Nadu in close to 100 seats. The magic number needed to form the government in Tamil Nadu is 118. 

"We expected this. I don't think we need any other party support," Felix said. 

"We have been telling there has been a Vijay wave, a silent wave. This shows that Tamil Nadu was waiting for a change. People were not happy, they were fed up with both parties, DMK and AIADMK. They were waiting for a change. Thhat is happening now. 

"The wave has started. This is not a normal election. The wave is happening now. 

"We are decimating the traditional vote bank of DMK and ADMK. We will emerge as the single largest party in Tamil Nadu," he said. 

It's a very early trend at the moment. There are a total of 234 constituencies in the state and 118 seats are needed for a party or a coalition to form the government. 

At the moment, none of the three leading parties seem to be heading towards that number.

AIADMK is leading in around 80 seats, while TVK is closing in on 100. DMK is right now languishing at the third spot with a lead of 53 seats. 

As of 10 am IST, TVK's Vijay is leading by over 1000 votes in Trichy East. DMK's Inigo Irudayaraj, the sitting MLA, is in the second spot. 

This is after Round 1 of counting. A total of 22 rounds of counting will be held today. 

This is huge for Vijay, but we have to wait and see if the trends hold on. 

This is big for Tamil Nadu. 15 ministers, including DM's MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhay Stalin, are trailing in Tamil Nadu. Stalin is behind after three rounds in Kolathur and Udhaynidhi is behing in Chepauk.

Meanwhile, TVK Chief Vijay is leading by around 8,000 votes in Trichy Esat. 

Chief Minister MK Stalin is now trailing in Kolathur. This is after the second round of counting. We will get you more details on this seaet, which is now trending in Tamil Nadu. 

Big setback this for DMK in Tamil Nadu. 

This is not good for MK Stalin and his ruling party DMK. 

DMK cadres have started packing up at the party office, with early trends indicating potential setbacks. The shamiyana put up at the DMK office is being taken down, chairs are being removed, and a grim atmosphere has set in at the party headquarters, reports India Today's Anagha.

Well, TVK's Vijay is leading from both his states – Trichy East and Perambur. 

Meanwhile, CM MK Stalin and deputy Chief Minister Udhay Stalin are trailing in Kolathur and Chepauk, respectively.

TVK is gaining in Chennai, which has been a stronghold of DMK.

According to the Election Commission of India, TVK is now behind AIADMK. But, the situation is perilious for the ruling DMK party. 

According to local news channels, TVK is leading in Chennai in 14 seats. That's a big number for a debutant party. 

Meanwhile, TVK is leading in 91 seats across Tamil Nadu, with AIADMK and its allies taking the second spot. 

Tough spot for DMK and its chief MK Stalin, who is trailing from Kolathur. 

Meawnhile, we should see these early trends as early trends. According to India Today, the counting of EVM votes hasn't begun in Tamil Nadu. This is just a reflection of the postal ballots. 

Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured a lead in 81 seats, while Edappadi Palaniswami is leading in 44 seats. STalin-led MK Stalin is leading in 43 seats.

The majority required to form a government is 118. Early trends suggest a close competition between the three parties. (Note: Only postal votes are being counted as of now).

In Chennai's Velachery constituency, Vijay's TVK has secured 3,826 postal votes. Congress and AIADMK secured 2,459 and 2,005 postal votes as of 9.20 am. 

TVK has taken a comfortable lead with a difference of 1,367 votes.

All those who said Vijay's popularity wouldn't translate to votes might be sitting back and thinking now. If early trends are anything to go by, Vijay's TVK is making a big statement. 

Here's what we can show you in terms of early leads at the moment. 

DMK chief MK Stalin is trailing in Kolathur, India Today has learnt. 

Meanwhile, in Chepauk, deputy Chief Minsiter, Udhaynidhi Stalin, is also trailing.

But, keep in mind, these are very, very early trends. 

Srinath, a close associate of Vijay, is currently leading in Thoothukudi, according to local news channels. He faced significant criticism during the campaign for not being a local, as he hails from the region but resides in Chennai.

Throughout the campaign, Srinath consistently emphasized that Vijay is the face of the party and sought votes in his name.

These are early trends, so they may change.

If you are looking at a one-stop place to follow the election results of all four states and Puducherry, here you go. 

This is massive for TVK in early trends. While the DMK and its allies are pulling ahead, TVK is not far behind. Keep in mind, we are still in the postal ballot counting phase. 

AIADMK and its allies, which includes the BJP, are now No. 3..

What if this trend holds true? There is still plenty of time and these are early, early trends. 

Early trends for 37 constituencies are starting to come in. Local news channels in Tamil Nadu are showing a tough battle between DMK and TVK. In fact, AIADMK are not far behinnd. 

It's a proper three-way battle in Tamil Nadu, as per early trends. 

Vijay's TVK is leading in more than 10 seats, while DMK are ahead in 15 seats. 

Well, that's a big early trend coming in. TVK chief Vijay is trailing from Tiruchirappalli East constituency. DMK's incumbent MLA, Inigo S Irudayaraj, is leading from there.

However, in Trichy West, DMK's influential leader KN Nehru is trailing. And guess what, TVK's G.Ramamoorthi is leading at the moment. 

Well, the early momentum is with DMK when it comes to Trichy East. These are very, very early leads, based only on postal ballots. 

Out of 17, DMK is leading in 11 seats, while TVK and AIADMK and its allies are leading in 3 constituencies each. 

TVK chief VIjay was leading in Perambur, we will bring the latest on what's happening in Trichy East. 

Don’t miss the action – join now 

Counting Day is unfolding with high drama as trends begin to take shape across key constituencies. Stay ahead with every big result as it comes in, along with Rajdeep Sardesai’s power-packed analysis in Tamil, breaking down the numbers and political shifts as the race tightens. 

While his close friend Trisha visited the Tirupati temple on the eve of counting day, TVK chief Vijay's father, S.A. Chandrasekhar, is in Tiruttani offering prayers at the Lord Murugan temple to seek blessings for his son's electoral success.

Who is SA Chandrasekhar? 

S.A. Chandrasekhar is a veteran filmmaker and producer who has directed over 70 films, primarily known for his socially conscious themes and for launching his son Vijay’s cinematic career. Beyond his film legacy, he has been a vocal supporter of his son’s political journey.

According to local news channels in Tamil Nadu, DMK and its allies are leading in 11 seats. As of now, early trends from 14 constituncies have come across. Vijay's TVK is leading in a seat and that is believed to be Perambur in Chennai. Meanwhile, the AIADMK and its allies are leading in two seats. 

DMK are up and running, but keep in mind, these are just early trends, counted only from postal ballots. 

TVK chief Vijay has secured an early advantage in Perambur, leading the opening round of counting with 75 postal ballots. The DMK incumbent, RD Shekar, currently trails with 25 votes, giving the debutant a head start as the first trends emerge from the counting center.

To get all the updates from the other constituencies in Tamil Nadu, follow or blog here. 

Security has been beefed up at the counting center in Trichy East. Notably, TVK leader Vijay had asked his party workers to remain vigilant at counting centers across the state, urging them to reach there early and stay there till the end of the day. 

Is it going to be a fresh wave in Tamil Nadu? Will DMK hold fort? 

Well, the big moment is here. The counting gets underway across all 234 constituencies. Firstly, the postal balots will be counted followed by those polled in EVMs. 

Who can vote via postal ballots? 

Postal voting in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections is primarily available to senior citizens aged 85 and above, persons with disabilities (PwDs) with 40% or more disability, and government personnel on election duty like police and teachers. It also extends to service voters in the armed forces, individuals in preventive detention, and workers in notified of essential services such as healthcare, transport, and media who are unable to reach their polling booths on election day.

The 2026 battle for Tiruchirappalli East is a high-profile showdown featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and a massive celebrity debut.

Here are the key candidates contesting in this constituency:

Primary Contenders

Joseph Vijay (TVK): The cinema superstar and chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, making his electoral debut.  

Inigo Irudayaraj (DMK): The incumbent MLA and a heavyweight candidate representing the ruling Secular Progressive Alliance.  

G. Rajasekaran (AIADMK): The former urban district secretary, representing the main opposition alliance.  

Dr. V. Krishnasamy (NTK): Representing Seeman's Naam Tamilar Katchi.

Well, Kollywood superstar Trisha Krishnan visited Tirumala Tirupathi on the eve of her birthday. However, a section of fans has linked her visit to the result day in Tamil Nadu. Her close friend and co-star Vijay's fate will be decided as the counting is all set to get underway shortly. 

By Monday morning, visuals of the actor offering prayers at the temple had surfaced online. In the clips, Trisha is seen making a quiet visit, away from any public fanfare.

Thol. Thirumavalavan, chief of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, said on Sunday that TVK chief Vijay will be able to split votes, but neither him nor his party will be able to convert momentum into seats. 

"TVK can split anti-DMK and anti-AIADMK votes, but do not have that strength to win Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. There is no chance," he asserted, expressing confidence that the DMK alliance would return to power.

Read more about Thirumavalavan's take on TVK. 

The Tiruchirappalli East constituency (No. 141) is a relatively new name for an old political heartland. It was officially created following the 2008 delimitation process, primarily carved out of the defunct Tiruchirappalli-II constituency.

The predecessor constituency (Trichy-II) was a storied battlefield. Legends like Anbil P Dharmalingam, a founder member of the DMK, and K.N. Nehru (now a senior Minister) have deep ties to the politics of this region.

Historically, the area has been a DMK stronghold, but the AIADMK proved it could win here during the Jayalalithaa waves of 2011 and 2016. The entry of Vijay in 2026 marks the first time a major third-force celebrity candidate has threatened this traditional two-party dominance in this specific urban pocket.

Vote counting for 9 constituencies in Tirchurappalli begins at Jamal Mohamed College at 8 AM with postal ballots first.

Strict security checks are in place, mobile phones are banned, and all parties are represented during counting, according to news agency IANS. 

The wait is finally over. As the sun rises over Tamil Nadu this Monday, the state holds its breath for a mandate that could redefine its political DNA. While the DMK seeks a second consecutive term and the AIADMK fights for resurgence, the spotlight is firmly fixed on two specific battlegrounds: Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur.

In a historic dual-seat gamble, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and cinema icon Vijay is making his highly-anticipated electoral debut. In Trichy East, he faces a formidable challenge from DMK’s sitting heavyweight Inigo Irudayaraj, a contest that has become the ultimate proxy war between celebrity pull and grassroots party machinery. Meanwhile, in Perambur, the debutant is testing his strength in the heart of Chennai against the DMK's R.D. Shekar.

With exit polls hinting at everything from a DMK edge to a massive "Vijay effect," we bring you the minute-by-minute updates as the seals are broken and the counting begins.

Good morning, folks! It's time for the big day. Counting for 234 assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will get underway shortly. Here, we bring you all the latest updates from one of the most-talked-about constituency in Tamil Nadu - Tiruchirappalli East. 

TVK's Vijay is contesting here along with Perambur in Chennai. Can he spring a surprise in a constituency that has swung between DMK and AIADMK?