Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Highlights: AIADMK rules out support for TVK in govt formation
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  • Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Highlights: AIADMK rules out support for TVK in govt formation
THE TIMES OF INDIA | May 07, 2026, 06:35:30 IST
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Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Highlights: AIADMK rules out support for TVK in govt formation

Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Live Updates: Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has scripted a historic breakthrough in Tamil Nadu, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly and triggering intense negotiations over government formation.

TVK secured 108 seats, falling just short of the majority mark by around 10 seats, setting the stage for coalition-building in a state long dominated by Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

With numbers not adding up independently, TVK has initiated talks with multiple parties. Congress, which won five seats, confirmed it has been approached for support. Congress general secretary K. C. Venugopal said the decision would be taken by the state unit, adding that the party remains committed to keeping the BJP “and its proxies” out of power in Tamil Nadu.

Other smaller parties — including PMK (4 seats), CPI, CPI(M), and VCK (two seats each)are also seen as potential allies.

At the same time, the AIADMK, which secured 47 seats, has indicated it is in talks with TVK. AIADMK MLA Leema Rose confirmed discussions between Vijay’s party and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami.

The dual-track negotiations have made the final shape of the government uncertain. Political observers say TVK faces a strategic choice: align with Congress and smaller parties for a broad coalition, or opt for a numerically stronger but politically complex arrangement with the AIADMK.

The election result marks a major shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Since 1967, the state has been ruled by either the DMK or the AIADMK or their alliances. Congress has not independently held power in the state in nearly six decades.

For Vijay, the mandate represents a dramatic rise from political newcomer to power contender. However, the coming days will test his ability to convert electoral momentum into a stable government.

As backchannel talks intensify, all eyes are now on who TVK chooses as its partner. Stay tuned for the latest developments.
08:43 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Vote counting stopped at Manapparai
Postal vote counting in Manapparai halted for a while as TVK's counting agents occupy the space meant for DMK's counting agents.

08:38 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: EPS leads in Edappadi constituency
According to TOI sources present on ground, former chief minister Edapaddi K. Palaniswami of AIADMK is leading in Edappadi constituency. The seat is closely tied to EPS against DMK challenger Kasi C.
08:23 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: Heavy security deployed as vote counting under way
The Election Commission of India said a three-tier security system will be in place at counting centres. Patnaik said the counting of votes recorded at all 75,064 polling stations, along with postal ballots received, will be conducted at 62 designated counting centres.
08:09 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: Counting of votes begins in Tamil Nadu across 234 seats
Counting of votes begins across 234 seats in Tamil Nadu. The EC had said a three-tier security system will be in place at counting centres. Chief electoral officer Archana Patnaik, in a statement, said that the first tier-a security perimeter extending 100 metres around each counting centre-has been established.
07:49 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Counting of votes begins shortly
07:35 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Thiruma says there were attempts to split DMK and VCK alliance
Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi president Thol Thirumavalavan on Sunday said there were attempts to drive a wedge between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the VCK, but added that such efforts would fail. At Chennai airport, Thirumavalavan told reporters that his remarks criticising VCK cadres for poor election work in a few places were being blown out of proportion to project a lack of cooperation between DMK and VCK members. “I spoke about it to discipline VCK cadres. But the remarks are being exaggerated to create rift in the alliance. But for those few places, VCK men worked hard everywhere. However, the hard work put in by our cadres and functionaries in other places was highly commendable. Even candidates of our alliance parties called me and appreciated their work,” Thirumavalavan said.
07:20 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: Statewide training conducted for counting agents by DMK leaders
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam conducted statewide training sessions on Sunday for its counting agents, focusing on procedures to be followed inside counting centres. With 62 counting centres set up across Tamil Nadu, the party leadership had earlier directed senior functionaries to thoroughly brief agents. Following this, ministers and district-level leaders held meetings on Sunday to ensure uniform adherence to guidelines. Party sources said there would be one agent per table. As a minimum of 16 tables would be set up in each counting centre, there would be an equal number of agents—14 for EVMs, one for postal ballots, and one for the assistant returning officer (ARO).
07:05 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: Security has been intensified at counting centres
07:04 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: No vehicles allowed near Madurai’s 10 & Trichy’s two counting centres
Madurai district has set up five counting centres for today’s counting of votes in its 10 constituencies. No vehicles will be allowed within 100m from the centres. Meanwhile, counting for Trichy district will be held at two centres — Jamal Mohamed College at TVS tollgate on Trichy-Chennai NH, and Oasys Training Institute in Pulivalam. Citing this, police have announced traffic diversions: Trichy semi-ring road via Panjapur to reach Pudukottai; Wireless Road, KK Nagar, Rajaram Road and Mannarpuram to reach Jamal Mohamed College; KK Nagar and LIC Colony to reach airport.
06:53 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: DMK, AIADMK write to ECI over possibility of disturbances
A day before the counting of votes, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam raised concerns over safety arrangements, with both parties writing separately to the Election Commission of India and police, each accusing the other and its allies of planning disruptions at counting centres. DMK organisational secretary R S Bharathi said the party feared that the Bharatiya Janata Party and its allies might attempt to create law and order issues at the centres.
“We request ECI to act immediately on any complaint of disturbances at counting centres. Usually, they say action is being taken but keep matters pending till evening. BJP will do anything. They are capable of doing it,” he alleged. “Not just me, opposition parties across India have also been raising this issue. Even Supreme Court has criticised ECI at times.”
06:43 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: Exit polls have created confusion
DMK is confident that Vijay has cut largely into AIADMK votes, which should make its task easier, but there are doubts in certain pockets about how the “silent” women have cast their choice. The exit polls had created more confusion. While most indicated a victory for DMK, some gave AIADMK an edge while one poll said TVK would get more seats than the Dravidian parties. Talk of a hung assembly and a coalition govt had gained ground because of this uncertainty.
06:29 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: Will it be DMK, AIADMK or TVK in TN?
Who wins in Tamil Nadu and Bengal will decide the course of national politics as the fate of two regional powers and key anti-BJP forces, DMK and TMC, hangs in the balance. By end of day, we’ll know if the 4.87crore who voted in Tamil Nadu on April 23 have given M K Stalin and DMK a second term, brought back AIADMK and Edappadi K Palaniswami or given Joseph Vijay and his TVK a blockbuster first show. For NTK too this is a key election as it would show whether Seeman could retain his vote share in the wake of TVK’s entry.
06:19 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Congress' Girish Chodankar expresses confidence in DMK

Tamil Nadu Congress in-charge Girish Chodankar expressed confidence that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance would return to power in Tamil Nadu, saying its performance and governance record would secure victory. "We are confident that our DMK alliance will form the government and create history in Tamil Nadu. We are very confident that we will come back to power. We respect all the exit polls, but we don't accept them. Our position will be much better than what is predicted. We are directly connected with the voters. The performance that the government has given and the development that the government has made over the past five years is a big argument for the people. People have already voted for us," he said.

05:48 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: Urban voters play key role in outcome

Urban constituencies are expected to play a crucial role, especially with shifting voter preferences.

These regions could influence the overall balance in a closely contested election.
05:35 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026 Live Updates
DMK, AIADMK and TVK in focus as counting to begin at 8 am
05:31 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: Security tightened at counting centres
Strict security arrangements have been put in place across counting centres to ensure a smooth process.

Surveillance systems and controlled access are expected to maintain transparency and order.
05:17 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: New entrant adds unpredictability to race
A new political player has brought fresh dynamics into the contest, especially among younger and urban voters.

Even if it does not secure a large number of seats, its impact on vote share could influence outcomes.
05:06 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Exit polls offer mixed projections
Different exit polls have presented varying outcomes, with some suggesting continuity and others pointing to a more competitive scenario.

The divergence highlights the uncertainty surrounding the final verdict.
04:54 (IST) May 04
​Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: Close margins expected in several seats
Many constituencies are expected to witness tight contests, where victory margins could be minimal.

This makes every counting round critical, as early leads may change before final results are declared.
04:43 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: High turnout adds uncertainty to final outcome
Voter turnout crossed 84%, one of the highest in the state’s history, reflecting strong participation.

Such high engagement often makes predictions difficult, especially in closely fought constituencies where even small shifts in vote share can change results.
04:32 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: Three-way contest shapes key battleground
This election has moved beyond the traditional two-front contest, with a third force entering the fray.

The presence of an emerging party has made several constituencies more competitive, increasing unpredictability in the final tally.
04:19 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: AIADMK aims for comeback after last defeat
The opposition is hoping to regain lost ground by focusing on governance issues and promises of revival.

A strong showing in key constituencies could signal a return to power.
04:07 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: DMK seeks another term on governance plank
The ruling party is banking on its welfare programmes and governance record to secure another term.

Its performance in urban and rural constituencies will be crucial in determining whether it can retain power.
03:54 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Vijay’s TVK tests strength in debut election
All eyes are on how Vijay’s party performs in its first electoral outing. While expectations vary across polls, even a modest showing could mark the beginning of a shift in the state’s political landscape.
03:41 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: DMK, AIADMK and TVK leads to decide final outcome
As counting starts, leads from all three major players will determine the shape of the final verdict.

With multi-cornered contests in several seats, the balance of power could hinge on narrow margins and shifting trends.
03:28 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: Three-way fight between DMK, AIADMK and TVK unfolds
Unlike previous elections, this contest has seen a more competitive three-way dynamic.

The presence of TVK alongside DMK and AIADMK has made several constituencies unpredictable, with vote shares likely to be closely divided.
03:21 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: AIADMK banks on anti-incumbency against DMK
The opposition has focused on anti-incumbency sentiments and governance concerns to challenge the ruling DMK.

Its performance in key constituencies will be crucial in determining whether it can convert voter dissatisfaction into electoral gains.
03:09 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: Stalin vs Vijay narrative shapes voter mood
The contest has increasingly been framed around leadership narratives, with Stalin representing continuity and Vijay symbolising change for some voters.

This contrast has played a role in shaping campaign messaging and could influence final voting patterns.
03:00 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: Stalin-led DMK faces AIADMK challenge in key contest
As counting begins, the ruling DMK led by MK Stalin is up against a determined AIADMK aiming for a comeback.

The contest across 234 constituencies reflects a mix of governance debates and voter expectations.

Early trends will indicate whether the ruling party retains its edge or if the opposition has managed to shift momentum.
03:00 (IST) May 04
Election Result Tamil Nadu 2026: Vijay’s TVK adds new dimension to race
The entry of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has introduced fresh dynamics into the election.

The party has drawn attention particularly among younger voters and urban constituencies.

Its performance could influence results even in seats where it may not emerge as the winner.
03:00 (IST) May 04
TN Election Result 2026: AIADMK pushes comeback as DMK seeks second term
The AIADMK is looking to regain power after its previous defeat, while the DMK is banking on its governance record to secure another term.

With multiple constituencies expected to be closely contested, even marginal vote shifts could determine the final outcome.
03:00 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Results 2026: DMK vs AIADMK vs TVK
The traditional rivalry between DMK and AIADMK remains central to the election, even as new players emerge.

The counting day is expected to reveal whether this long-standing political contest continues to dominate or if the dynamics have shifted significantly.
03:00 (IST) May 04
Tamil Nadu Election Result 2026: TVK’s Vijay emerges as key wildcard in close fight
Vijay’s debut in electoral politics has added an element of unpredictability. While expectations vary, his party’s ability to attract votes could impact closely fought constituencies.

Analysts are watching whether this influence translates into seats or primarily affects vote distribution.
A fierce political row has erupted in Tamil Nadu after the Congress signalled support to Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) accusing its long-time ally of “backstabbing” the mandate.

TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, is short of a majority and has reached out to multiple parties for support. The Congress, with five MLAs, confirmed that it is considering backing Vijay’s bid to form the government.

The move has drawn sharp criticism from the DMK. Party spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai alleged that Congress had betrayed both the alliance and the people.

“They have backstabbed the people of Tamil Nadu… even before the ink on the returning officer’s signature dried, they chose to go ahead with an alliance,” he said.

Annadurai pointed out that the Congress had been supported by the DMK leadership, including chief minister M. K. Stalin, who had projected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi at the national level. He questioned the arithmetic behind the move, noting that Congress’s five MLAs would not be sufficient to ensure stability for the TVK government.

“They need at least 11 to 12 MLAs. What difference will five make?” he asked, accusing the Congress of “self-destructing” for limited political gains.

The controversy has been further complicated by parallel talks between TVK and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which has 47 seats. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami is reportedly in discussions with TVK, raising questions about which alliance Vijay will ultimately choose.

The results have upended Tamil Nadu’s traditional political order, delivering a shock defeat to the DMK and pushing the AIADMK to third place. Since 1967, power in the state has alternated between these two Dravidian majors or their fronts.

For Vijay, the breakthrough is unprecedented, but the path to power remains uncertain. With competing offers and rising political tensions, the formation of the next government has turned into a high-stakes battle — one that could redefine alliances in Tamil Nadu.