Actor-politician C. Joseph Vijay won two assembly seats as his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam party secured 105 seats in the 2026 Tamil Nadu elections [1].
The result marks a significant shift in the state's political landscape, as a cinematic icon transitions into a primary power broker capable of challenging established parties.
Vijay, the chief of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), personally won the Perambur seat in Chennai [4] and the Tiruchirappalli (East) constituency [5]. While the TVK secured 105 seats [1], the party fell short of an outright majority in the assembly.
Other major players saw varying results. The DMK won 58 seats [2], while Congress secured five constituencies [3].
Because the TVK does not hold a majority, Vijay has sought support from Congress to form a government. This move is aimed at preventing a BJP-led administration from taking power in the state.
K.C. Venugopal, a leader within the Congress party, addressed the possibility of a coalition. "We do not want a BJP government in the state," Venugopal said.
Following the announcement of the results, Vijay made his first public appearance, waving to supporters from a balcony to celebrate the party's electoral performance.
A meeting of the Congress party's Tamil Nadu unit is scheduled in Chennai to discuss the path forward, and potential alliances with the TVK.
“TVK secured 105 seats but fell short of a majority”
The emergence of TVK as the largest single party disrupts the traditional bipolar contest between the DMK and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. By securing 105 seats, Vijay has positioned himself as the indispensable partner for any government, forcing the Congress party to choose between a coalition with a political newcomer or risking a BJP-led administration.
