Actor-turned-politician Vijay thanked supporters Monday after early results showed his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party leading in the Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
The surge represents a significant disruption to the traditional political landscape of the state, marking a potent debut for Vijay in electoral politics.
Vote counting began at 8 a.m. on May 4, 2026 [1]. Early reports from the counting centers indicate a strong performance for the TVK. While some early trends showed the party leading in 67 seats [2], other reports indicated the party had already bagged over 100 seats [1].
Vijay addressed crowds in venues including Chennai and Kolathur, acknowledging the role of the public in the party's success. The strong vote share reflects a broad base of support for the newcomer's platform.
The AIADMK reacted to the results by acknowledging the scale of the TVK's entry into the assembly. "We congratulate Vijay on his fantabulous debut," a party spokesperson said [3].
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin also addressed the results of the election. "I accept the people's verdict with humility," Stalin said [3].
The varying reports on seat counts highlight the volatility of early counting phases, a common occurrence in large-scale Indian state elections. The final tally will determine whether TVK can form a government or will need to seek an alliance with other parties to exercise power.
“TVK has crossed the 100-seat mark in this election.”
The emergence of TVK as a major force suggests a shift in Tamil Nadu's political alignment, moving away from the long-standing dominance of the DMK and AIADMK. By securing a lead between 67 and over 100 seats, Vijay has transitioned from a cinematic icon to a legitimate political powerbroker, potentially forcing a realignment of alliances in the state's governance.
