Actor-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), won the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election, unseating the incumbent DMK [1, 2].
This victory marks a significant shift in the region's political landscape, as a cinema-backed party displaces a long-standing political powerhouse. The result has triggered a rapid realignment of alliances among several major political entities in India.
The TVK secured a clear majority by winning 108 seats in the assembly [1]. This surge in support forced the DMK out of power and prompted former allies to shift their loyalties. The Indian National Congress, previously aligned with the DMK, has now aligned with TVK along with its five MLAs [2].
Government formation began earlier this month, with reports of the process starting on May 8 [4]. To solidify the new administration, TVK gathered support from several other parties, including the VCK, CPM, and CPI [4].
The new cabinet reflects this broad coalition. Two MLAs from the IUML and VCK have already taken the oath of office in Vijay's cabinet [3]. The transition represents a total reconfiguration of power in Tamil Nadu — one that sees traditional party lines blurred in favor of the new TVK-led majority.
Vijay's transition from the film industry to the chief minister's office follows a pattern of celebrity influence in South Indian politics, but the scale of the 108-seat win [1] suggests a deeper systemic shift in voter preference.
“TVK won 108 seats in the Tamil Nadu assembly”
The rise of TVK signifies a disruption of the traditional bipolar political struggle in Tamil Nadu. By securing a clear majority and attracting the Indian National Congress, Vijay has not only replaced the DMK as the dominant force but has also effectively centralized power, reducing the leverage of smaller coalition partners who must now negotiate with a strong single-party leader.
