Assembly election results 2026: TVK surges ahead in Tamil Nadu
What's the story
In a major departure from exit poll predictions, actor Vijay's TVK is leading on 110 seats, while the AIADMK-led alliance is leading in 63 seats now. The DMK-led alliance has slipped to a distant third with just 60 seats in Tamil Nadu. These initial results are based on early counting and are likely to change as more rounds of counting are completed.
Counting begins
Run up to the counting
Polling for the Assembly seats was conducted on April 23. Counting of votes began across Tamil Nadu after a high-voltage campaign, where a three-cornered fight was projected. Most projections point to MK Stalin's DMK returning to power, though actor Vijay's TVK remains a dark horse. While a major contender, the AIADMK-BJP alliance is not expected to unseat the incumbent DMK on its own.
Downcast mood
Grim mood engulfs DMK amid slipping leads
According to India Today, after the early trends, a subdued atmosphere has settled in over the DMK headquarters, with party cadres packing up and dismantling arrangements. The shamiyana (tent) put up in the office is being taken down, and chairs are being removed, signaling concern within the camp as counting goes on.