2026 Tamil Nadu legislative assembly election

The 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election is a critical test for M.K. Stalin as he seeks to become the first DMK leader to win a second consecutive term. The election will take place on April 23, 2026, in Tamil Nadu, India.

The total number of seats in the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly is 234. The majority mark is set at 118 seats. The DMK has held power since 2021 and M.K. Stalin currently serves as the Chief Minister.

The AIADMK has formed an alliance with the BJP for this election. They aim to return to power after nearly five years in opposition. The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), established by actor Joseph C Vijay in 2024, also enters the race.

Key statistics:

• Voter turnout in Tamil Nadu was about 84 percent during previous elections.
• The election is viewed as a referendum on M.K. Stalin’s five years in office.
• The campaign has seen increasing friction between the DMK and AIADMK-led alliances.

It remains unclear if the TVK will siphon off enough anti-DMK votes from the AIADMK. The stakes are high for all parties involved, as the results will determine governance for the next five years.