Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 LIVE: Voting underway across 234 seats in battle of Dravidian heavyweights

The 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election is emerging as one of the most closely watched contests in recent years, marked by a blend of established political players and new entrants reshaping the landscape.

While the main contest continues to be between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the AIADMK led alliance, the entry of actor turned politician C Joseph Vijay, popularly known as Vijay, has introduced a new element of uncertainty, especially among younger and urban voters. Read more

State BJP vice president Khushbu Sundar casts her vote at a polling booth in Mylapore. The constituency sees a contest between BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan here and DMK's D. Velu.

Tamil Nadu's electorate is 5.73 crore strong and they will vote in as many as 75,064 polling stations in 33,133 locations to decide the fortunes of 4,023 candidates. The total electorate comprises 2.93 women, 2.83 crore men, and 7,728 third-gender persons.

The Election Commission has deployed 1,06,418 ballot units along with 75,064 control units and VVPAT machines.

Actor Ajith Kumar cast his vote at a polling station in Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai, during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, drawing a large crowd of fans and onlookers.

His arrival led to chaotic scenes outside the booth, with people gathering in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the actor. Police personnel were deployed to manage the crowd and ensure smooth polling, as many attempted to move closer to the premises.

Chief Minister M K Stalin is contesting from Kolathur, while his son and deputy Udhayanidhi Stalin is in the fray from Chepauk Thiruvallikeni. Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting from the Salem region, and O Panneerselvam from Bodinayakkanur.

Actor Vijay is contesting from Perambur, and Seeman from Karaikudi. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by Vijay, is contesting all 234 seats, adding a new dimension to the electoral contest.

The contest features four principal players, the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-BJP alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), and Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

With multiple parties in the fray, vote splitting is expected to play a significant role across several constituencies.

Over 4000 candidates in fray

Polling has begun across Tamil Nadu for the crucial Assembly elections, with voters queueing early at booths across the state.

More than 5.73 crore eligible voters are set to cast their ballots, deciding the fate of 4,023 candidates in the fray. The outcome will determine who forms the next government in the 234 member Assembly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people of Tamil Nadu to come out and exercise their voting rights for the assembly elections 2026.

"As the people of Tamil Nadu prepare to vote in the Assembly elections, I urge all voters to fulfill this sacred democratic duty with great enthusiasm. In particular, I call upon the youth and women of Tamil Nadu to turn out in large numbers and pave the way for a record turnout of votes," he wrote in a post on X.

The high-stakes contest is largely between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance. Chief Minister M K Stalin is seeking a second term, while AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is aiming to return to power after 5 years.

A total of 4,59,039 first time voters have been enrolled.

Polling will be held at 75,064 stations across 33,133 locations. The Election Commission has deployed 1,06,418 ballot units, along with 75,064 control units and VVPAT machines. To avoid technical disruptions, a reserve of 20 per cent for EVMs and 30 per cent for VVPATs has been maintained, according to the Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer.

The main contenders include the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-BJP alliance, Naam Tamilar Katchi, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.

Vote splitting is expected to play a significant role across several constituencies.