Tamil Nadu assembly election results: TVK’s debut a blockbuster, but Vijay’s trail stuns supporters

Tamil Nadu assembly election results are yet to be declared, with counting scheduled for May 4, 2026 — but the suspense has never been more edge-of-the-seat than this. Polling on April 23 wrapped with a historic 84.69% turnout. 

According to early trends, the Thalapathy Vijay-led TVK is currently leading in 82 seats, whereas the AIADMK is currently ahead in 44 seats. DMK, however, is holding onto Chennai at present. 

The superstar of Tamil cinema, however, is trailing in Trichy East and Perambur. Udhayanidhi Stalin is also currently trailing in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni.

AIADMK supremo and former Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palanisami, or EPS, is leading in the Edappadi constituency. DMK's O Pannerselvam is also leading from the Bodinayakkanur seat.

Even though Vijay is trailing in both his seats, the TVK is currently leading in 58 seats. If trends prevail, TVK is set to replace AIADMK as the principal opposition party in the state.

On one side stands Chief Minister MK Stalin, seeking a second term on the back of five years of governance. On the other hand, a debut political force led by Thalapathy Vijay, whose Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) contested all 234 seats solo. 

CHECK OUT THE LATEST UPDATES ON ELECTION RESULTS 2026 HERE

Constituencies to watch in Tamil Nadu

Among the several seats that are politically crucial in Tamil Nadu are Kolathur (CM MK Stalin), Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni (Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin), Perambur (Thalapathy Vijay), Tiruchirappalli East (Thalapathy Vijay), Bodinayakkanur (former CM O Pannerselvam), Mylapore (former Telangana governor Tamilisai Soundararajan) and Sattur (BJP Tamil Nadu chief Nainar Nagendran). 

MUST READ | Tamil Nadu assembly election 2026: MK Stalin, Thalapathy Vijay, Edappadi Palanisami, other key candidates to watch

What are the exit polls saying?

Most pollsters have predicted a comfortable majority for the MK Stalin-led Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the state. However, not all pollsters believe so. India Today-Axis My India has presented the most divergent scenario, estimating 98–120 seats for TVK, which, if realised, could turn the election into a highly competitive three-way contest.

ELECTIONS 2026 | WEST BENGAL RESULTS | TAMIL NADU RESULTS | KERALA RESULTS | ASSAM RESULTS | PUDUCHERRY RESULTS

Axis My India even projected Thalapathy Vijay as the most preferred Chief Ministerial Face in the state, saying that 37% of those surveyed want him in the CM office instead of Stalin. Times Now-JVC has predicted a potential comeback for the AIADMK, projecting 128–147 seats for the party and its allies.

Pollsters	DMK	AIADMK	TVK	Others
India Today-Axis My India	92-110	22-32	98-120	--
Today's Chanakya	125 (+/-11)	45 (+/-11)	63 (+/-11)	1 (+/-1)
Vote Vibe	103-113	114-124	4-10	--
Chanakya Strategies	145-160	50-65	--	18-26
Matrize	122-132	87-110	10-12	2-6
Times Now-JVC Exit Poll	75-95	128-147	8-10	--
Peoples Pulse	125-145	65-80	18-24	2-6
Poll of Exit Polls	130	65	31	8
P-MARQ	125-145	65-85	16-26	1-6
Peoples Insight	120-140	60-70	30-40	--