Tamil Nadu has just come through one of its most intense and heat-soaked election campaigns in recent memory, with temperatures hovering between 35°C and 40°C across the State over the past month. Despite the punishing conditions, leaders and cadre from all major parties mounted an aggressive, high-decibel campaign that concluded on Tuesday ahead of polling.
At the heart of the contest remains the long-standing rivalry between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). However, this election has acquired a new layer of unpredictability with the entry of the Tamil Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), floated by actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay.
Political observers say the party’s strong traction among younger voters has unsettled both Dravidian majors, making the electoral outcome harder to forecast.
Tamil Nadu goes to the polls in a single phase on April 23 for all 234 Assembly constituencies, including 44 reserved for Scheduled Castes and two for Scheduled Tribes. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4, 2026. The State has an electorate of about 5.67 crore voters.
For the DMK-led alliance Chief Minister M K Stalin and his son Udhayanidhi Stalin spearheaded the campaign, travelling extensively across the State. In contrast, the AIADMK-led alliance leaned heavily on the campaign of its leader Edappadi K Palaniswami, who focused sharply on issues such as corruption, women’s safety, and drug-related concerns.
Strong line-up
Palaniswami’s campaign received a boost from a strong line-up of national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Notably, Modi addressed two back-to-back roadshows in Kanyakumari and Coimbatore.
However, the DMK alliance saw a conspicuous absence of joint rallies featuring Stalin and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Party workers privately acknowledged that this lack of visible unity may have affected campaign momentum.
On the final day, the DMK focused on consolidating its urban stronghold in Chennai. Stalin wrapped up his campaign in Kolathur, while Udhayanidhi held a rally in his constituency Chepauk-Truvallikenni. Vijay’s roadshows across the city drew large crowds, causing traffic disruptions in several areas. Meanwhile, Palaniswami concluded his campaign in and around Salem his native Edappadi.
Significant attention
Among constituencies drawing significant attention in Chennai are Kolathur, where Stalin is contesting; Chepauk–Tiruvallikeni, represented by Udhayanidhi; and Perambur, where Vijay is in the fray. Beyond the capital, the Kongu belt — covering Coimbatore, Avinashi, Karur, and Erode — is emerging as a crucial battleground, with a fierce contest expected between the DMK and the AIADMK alliances.
Winding up his campaign, MK Stalin in a social media post said, “for 5 years, I have properly carried out the responsibility entrusted to me. I have elevated Tamil Nadu to the number one state in all sectors. Think and vote. Support the candidates of the Secular Progressive Alliance.”
Meanwhile, BJP’s Piyush Goyal, talking to newspersons, ruled out that it would be a ‘hung’ assembly, adding the AIADMK-led NDA would form the next government. “On May 4, we are going to see a historic victory for the NDA in the elections,” said former State BJP President K Annamalai, who was also at the press meet.
Published on April 21, 2026