Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results: Early Trends Show Vijay's TVK Leading In 74 Seats

Chennai: Vote counting is underway for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Initial trends show actor-turned-politician Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), surprisingly leading in 74 seats, emerging ahead of both the DMK and AIADMK. The early counting trends mark an interesting and unmistakably disruptive twist, from a long-standing DMK-AIADMK bipolar contest to triangular battle, with the entry of TVK.

What is the buzz about TVK?

The two-year-old party of actor Vijay is looking to put up an incredible performance in the state. Votes are being counted in 234 constituencies in Tamil Nadu, with the TVK leading in 74, the DMK in 59, and the AIADMK in 44. 

This surge in election results is a significant jump from initial trends and establishes TVK not only as a 'game-changer' but also as the front-runner in what was previously expected to be a close contest between three parties.

What does early trends signal?

TVK's early lead amid trends coming in from 234 constituencies indicates that the election is no longer a straight contest between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

In its very first assembly election, the TVK appears to be converting actor Vijay's popularity into votes. The party's strong performance indicates that Tamil Nadu politics, which until now was confined to the DMK and AIADMK, may be changing. 

Voting took place in a single phase on April 23, and counting is now underway for all 234 seats. Early trends also indicate a significant shift in voter preferences.

When did the party form?

Vijay's party, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), is a Tamil Nadu political party. Vijay founded the party on February 2, 2024 and he is its founder and president. The party's headquarters are in Panayur, Chennai. The party's election symbol, TVK, has challenged the established dominance of the DMK and AIADMK in state politics since its inception.