MK Stalin steps down as Tamil Nadu CM after losing both power and ground in assembly elections

In a dramatic turn following a major electoral setback, MK Stalin resigned as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, drawing the curtain on his current tenure after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) suffered a decisive defeat in the assembly elections. The move marks a significant moment in the state’s politics, with the ruling party losing both power and ground amid a strong anti-incumbency wave.

Stalin submitted his resignation to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, according to officials at Lok Bhavan, formally stepping down along with his Council of Ministers. The Governor has accepted the resignation and asked Stalin to continue in office until alternative arrangements are made.

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Electoral verdict reshapes Tamil Nadu politics

The resignation comes against the backdrop of a major political shift in the state. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, emerged as the single largest party, securing 107 seats in the 234-member assembly, just 11 short of the majority mark. The DMK, which had been in power, was reduced to 59 seats, marking a sharp decline.

Vote share patterns further underlined the shift. TVK led with over 32 per cent of the vote, while DMK’s share dropped to 24.19 per cent. The AIADMK trailed with 21.22 per cent, reflecting a broader churn among the state’s traditional political forces.

Personal blow in Kolathur

Adding to the party’s setback, Stalin lost his own Kolathur seat, long considered a stronghold, to TVK candidate VS Babu by a margin of 8,795 votes. The defeat carries both symbolic and political weight, underscoring the scale of the electoral upset.

‘We accept the people’s verdict’

Stalin acknowledged the defeat in a public message, congratulating the winners and thanking voters for their support. He highlighted his government’s welfare initiatives and governance record, while asserting that the DMK’s political journey would continue.

Positioning the party for its next role, Stalin said the DMK would now function as a “strong and responsible opposition,” signalling a shift from governance to rebuilding after the loss.

நடந்து முடிந்த தமிழ்நாடு சட்டமன்றப் பொதுத் தேர்தலில் திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழகத்தின் தலைமையிலான மதச்சார்பற்ற முற்போக்குக் கூட்டணிக் கட்சியின் வேட்பாளர்களுக்கு வாக்களித்த தமிழ்நாட்டு மக்கள் அனைவருக்கும் எனது மனமார்ந்த நன்றியை உண்மை உணர்வுடன் தெரிவித்துக் கொள்கிறேன்.

உங்கள்…

— M.K.Stalin – தமிழ்நாட்டை தலைகுனிய விடமாட்டேன் (@mkstalin) May 5, 2026

With TVK falling short of a clear majority, attention now turns to possible alliances as the party explores options to form the next government. The election outcome points to a transition phase in Tamil Nadu politics, with new leadership dynamics likely to emerge soon.