The voting across all the 234 constituencies began at 7 am in the morning and concluded at 6 pm, with a record 84.73 per cent turnout.
Tamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE
Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: The voting for the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 was held on Thursday. The voting across all the 234 constituencies began at 7 am in the morning and concluded at 6 pm, with a record 84.73 per cent turnout.
The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, which will reveal who will run the state next. The current Assembly term ends on May 10.
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At the centre of this election is the familiar face-off between the two Dravidian giants. The ruling DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance is hoping to hold on to power with its “Rising Sun” symbol shining again in 2026. On the other side, the AIADMK, under the “Two Leaves” banner, is trying to stage a comeback after losing ground in the last election.
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The DMK camp, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has projected confidence throughout the campaign. Stalin himself is contesting from Kolathur in Chennai, a constituency closely watched as a symbol of his political strength. His son and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is also in the race from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni.
In response, AIADMK chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting from Edappadi in Salem district.
One of the biggest talking points of this election is the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). For the first time, Vijay is testing his political strength on a full scale.
What has surprised many is the ambition of his debut move. TVK has fielded candidates in all 234 constituencies across Tamil Nadu, showing that it is not playing safe or limited. Vijay himself is contesting from two seats: Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East.
With 4,023 candidates, multiple alliances, and a new political entrant shaking things up, this election is far from simple.
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