LIVE | Tamil Nadu Results 2026: DMK seeks to retain power amid three-way challenge from AIADMK, TVK

Counting for 234 seats starts today under three-tier security, with actor-politician Vijay’s TVK debut and tight margins expected to define the mandate.

Tamil Nadu verdict day: DMK seeks repeat, AIADMK eyes comeback as counting set to begin

Summary

Tamil Nadu heads for a decisive verdict on Monday as counting of votes will determine whether the ruling DMK Secular Progressive Alliance retains power or if the AIADMK-led NDA stages a comeback after five years in opposition. The entry of Vijay-led TVK has added complexity to the electoral landscape.

Votes from 234 constituencies will be counted from 8 am across 62 centres under tight security, following polling on April 23. Exit polls broadly project a win for the DMK-led alliance, though many indicate a close contest, with TVK poised to play spoilsport. With multi-cornered contests and shifting voter dynamics, the outcome is expected to hinge on narrow margins in several constituencies.

Exit polls favour DMK-led bloc, TVK emerges as wildcard

Exit polls broadly indicate a return to power for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance, with several projections placing it ahead of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led front and suggesting a comfortable majority in the 234-member Assembly, where the halfway mark is 118. However, two surveys pointed to a hung House.

Axis My India projected 92–110 seats for the DMK-led alliance, 22–23 for the AIADMK plus, and 98–120 for Vijay-led TVK. Kamakhya Analytics forecast 78–95 for the DMK plus, 68–84 for the AIADMK plus and 67–81 for TVK. Other polls indicated a stronger DMK performance.

People’s Pulse projected 125–145 for the DMK-led alliance, 65–80 for AIADMK-BJP and 18–24 for TVK. Matrize forecast 122–132 for DMK-Congress, 87–100 for AIADMK plus and 10–12 for TVK, while P-Marq projected 125–145, 65–85 and 16–26 respectively.

JVC was the only pollster projecting an AIADMK-led win, forecasting 128–147 seats for AIADMK plus, 75–95 for DMK plus and 18–15 for TVK. Praja Poll estimated 148–168 for DMK plus, 61–81 for AIADMK and 1–9 for TVK, while People’s Insight projected 120–140, 60–70 and 30–40 respectively. The wide range underscores a fragmented contest, with TVK’s debut emerging as a key variable in a closely watched three-way race.

DMK faces anti-incumbency test as AIADMK, TVK threat loom large

DMK faces anti-incumbency test as AIADMK, TVK threat loom large Tamil Nadu awaits a high-stakes verdict on Monday as counting of votes for the April 23 Assembly elections begins, with the outcome set to determine whether the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam retains power or if the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam returns to office after five years in opposition.

Counting will commence at 8 am across 62 centres under a comprehensive three-tier security arrangement, with postal ballots taken up first, followed by electronic voting machines. Over one lakh personnel, including counting staff and security forces, have been deployed, while the Election Commission has introduced QR code-based identity checks to regulate access.

Polling was held across all 234 constituencies, witnessing strong participation. Exit polls have largely projected a win for the DMK-led alliance, though several indicate a close fight, reflecting a competitive electoral landscape. The contest has been further shaped by the entry of actor-politician Vijay’s TVK, which is expected to make an electoral debut with notable impact, and the continued presence of Seeman’s NTK.

Their participation has added a multi-cornered dimension, raising the possibility of vote splits in key constituencies. Both the DMK and AIADMK have activated war rooms to monitor counting in real time, deploying legal teams and communication networks to respond swiftly to any disputes or irregularities.

The heightened vigilance follows narrow margins in several seats in the 2021 elections, with parties bracing for similarly tight contests. With political stakes high and margins expected to be close, the results are set to shape the state’s political trajectory.