Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026 Highlights: MK Stalin concedes defeat, says DMK will work as exemplary Opposition

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The counting of votes for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu has been completed, with Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as the clear winner in a decisive electoral outcome.

TVK secured 108 seats, putting it well ahead of its rivals and marking a major political breakthrough in the state’s electoral landscape. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) finished second with 59 seats, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) came third with 47 seats.

The Indian National Congress (INC) managed to win 5 seats, and the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) secured 4 seats, reflecting limited gains for smaller players in the election.

With counting completed across all constituencies, the results signal a significant shift in Tamil Nadu politics, with TVK set to play the central role in the formation of the next government.

R Sabarinathan, the 30-year-old son of actor-politician Vijay's long-time driver and personal assistant Rajendran, has won in the Virugambakkam assembly constituency here. Sabarinathan, contesting on a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) ticket, won by 27,086 votes, according to the latest Election Commission figures.

Speaking to reporters briefly after receiving his certificate, Sabarinathan said, "I am very happy with the win and very grateful to Vijay, he has put an end to DMK."

Rajendran has been associated with Vijay since the actor's debut film 'Naalaiya Theerpu', serving as his driver and personal aide.

Sabarinathan emerged as one of the most talked-about candidates of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections after an emotional video of him breaking down on stage went viral, shortly after his name figured among TVK's list of candidates.

The Virugambakkam constituency, located in Chennai district, has changed hands between three different parties across the last five Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

MK Stalin has conceded defeat in the Tamil Nadu election, accepting the verdict of the people and congratulating the winning side. “We bow to and accept the verdict of the people. Congratulations to the victors!” Stalin said in a post on X, acknowledging the outcome after a closely watched contest in the southern state.

In his message, Stalin defended his government’s record, pointing to development work and welfare schemes carried out over the past five years. “In the past five years, we have created numerous projects and provided good governance to the people of Tamil Nadu. We have elevated Tamil Nadu in every way. In the electoral arena, we sought votes only by speaking of our achievements,” he said.

A victorious Vijay had a candid moment with India Today's Pramod Madhav when he came to collect his winner's certificate. His party emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats. 

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin says he bows his head down to the people of Tamil Nadu after the mandate.

(Anagha)

VS Babu is a veteran politician and former MLA. The 75-year-old previously represented the Purasawalkam constituency after winning the 2006 election as a DMK candidate.
He joined the Vijay-led party on February 7, 2026. He brings over two decades of political experience and served as the Purasawalkam MLA from 2006 to 2011, defeating the AIADMK candidate by more than 90,000 votes. According to his 2026 affidavit, Babu has declared assets worth Rs 3.7 crore. 

Tamil Nadu deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin arrived at the DMK headquarters to meet Chief Minister MK Stalin. 

(Anagha)

"My dear friend, the leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, MK Stalin, is not one to exult in victory. Nor is he one to wilt in defeat. He will fight again. He will win again," he said after the DMK suffered a big defeat at the hands of newcomer TVK. 

Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi congratulated TVK chief Vijay on his party’s performance in the 2026 Assembly election, says Congress MP Jairam Ramesh. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated Vijay's TVK for making a spectacular debut in the 2026 Assembly polls. 

Former Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer KG Arunraj, who served in the Income Tax department in Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Maharashtra, takes massive lead in Tiruchengodu Assembly constituency.

TVK Chief Vijay's driver's son Sabarinathan R is leading from Virugampakkam Assembly constituency. 

TVK chief Vijay leaves his residence to meet his father, after his party's spectacular debut in the Assembly polls. 

TVK chief Vijay's driver's son Sabarinathan R is leading from Virugampakkam Assembly constituency. 

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has lost to VS Babu, the candidate fielded by actor-politician Vijay's TVK in the Kolathur constituency for the 2026 Assembly elections in the state. Read more here. 

Vijay makes a blockbuster poll debut, wins both Perambur and Trichy East seats. 

"I bow down to the people of Tamil Nadu for your verdict. Happy to see that in my land, people have spoken in one voice," said K Annamalai as he congratulated Vijay and his party TVK for a "spectacular debut". 

VK candidate from Kolathur constituency, VS Babu, arrives at Loyola College counting centre to collect his winning certificate, after defeating Chief Minister MK Stalin. 

Veteran leader KA Sengottaiyan clinched the Gobichettipalayam seat in the 2026 Assembly elections. Contesting for the first time under actor Vijay's TVK, the 78-year-old secured approximately 71,380 votes, defeating DMK's N Nallasivam by a margin of nearly 13,000 votes. This is his 10th win as a legislator.,

(PTI)