With voting concluding in all 234 constituencies in a single phase on April 23, Tamil Nadu witnessed the highest ever voter turnout, crossing 84.80 per cent. The counting of votes is to take place on May 4, when the fate of the state will be decided. The election has turned into a high stakes and multi-cornered contest. The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, is seeking continuity on the basis of his governance and welfare record. Opposition All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), is attempting a political comeback under the leadership of Edappadi K Palaniswami VictoryTamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as a disruptive force, especially among urban and youth voters.

Kolathur: MK Stalin vs P Santhana Krishnan vs VS Babu

Kolathur is one of the most politically important constituencies in the state. Stalin is contesting here for the fourth consecutive time, having held the seat since 2011 and winning comfortably in both 2016 and 2021 with over 60 per cent vote share.He is contesting against AIADMK’s P Santhana Krishnan, while TVK has fielded VS Babu.In the 2021 assembly elections, Stalin secured 1,05,522 votes (60.9% vote share), defeating AIADMK’s Adirajaram, who received 35,138 votes. In 2016, he won by 91,303 votes against AIADMK’s JCD Prabhakar, who secured 53,573 votes.The constituency, located in Chennai, has developed into a dense residential-commercial area with increasing pressure on civic amenities. Voter turnout in this high-profile seat increased to 86.12 percent compared to 61.68 percent in 2021, reflecting increased political engagement.

Perambur: C Joseph Vijay vs RD Shekhar

With Vijay’s electoral debut, Perambur has emerged as a major battleground. He is pitted against sitting DMK MLA RD Shekhar, while the AIADMK-led alliance has fielded M Thilagabama and NTK has fielded S Merlin Siriya Pushpam.In the 2021 elections, Shekhar won with 1,05,267 votes (52.5% vote share), defeating AIADMK’s NR Dhanapalan, who secured 50,291 votes. In 2016, the seat had seen a close contest, with AIADMK’s P Vetrivel winning by just 519 votes.A working-class constituency in North Chennai, the politics of Perambur is shaped by labor issues and civic concerns. Voter turnout increased sharply from 63 percent to 89.74 percent in 2021, making it one of the most-watched seats.

Tiruchirappalli (East): C Joseph Vijay vs G Rajasekharan

Tiruchirappalli (East), an entirely urban constituency, has become a key contest with Vijay winning the ground against AIADMK’s G Rajasekharan.In the 2021 assembly elections, DMK’s S. Inigo Irudayaraj won with 94,302 votes (54.56% vote share), and AIADMK’s N. Velamandi defeated Natarajan by a margin of 53,797 votes.This constituency has historically alternated between the DMK and the AIADMK, with the DMK winning decisively in the last election. Vijay’s presence has brought a new change, especially among urban and young voters.

Bodinayakanur: O Panneerselvam vs VT Narayanasamy

Bodinayakanur in Theni district is the home turf of former chief minister O Panneerselvam, who is now contesting the elections on a DMK ticket. He is contesting against AIADMK’s VT Narayanasamy.In the 2021 election, Panneerselvam won by 1,00,050 votes, defeating DMK’s Thanga Tamil Selvan by 11,021 votes. He also won from this constituency in 2016 and 2011 as an AIADMK candidate.Historically dominated by the AIADMK, the party has won the seat seven times since 1977, while the DMK has won it twice, making it a crucial test to switch loyalties.

Edappadi: Edappadi K Palaniswami vs Kasi C

Edappadi, located in Salem district, is a key contest for AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami, who wants to retain his stronghold. He is contesting against DMK’s Kasi C.In the 2016 assembly elections, Palaniswami won by 98,703 votes, defeating PMK’s Annadurai N by 42,022 votes. In 2011, he had won by a margin of 34,738 votes by securing 1,04,586 votes.

Mylapore: Tamilisai Sundararajan vs Dha Velu vs P Venkataramanan

In Mylapore, there is a triangular contest between DMK’s Dha Velu, BJP’s Tamilisai Soundararajan and TVK’s P Venkataramanan. Sundararajan is the former Governor of Telangana. In the 2021 elections, Velu won with 68,392 votes (44.95% vote share), defeating AIADMK’s R Nataraja, who secured 55,759 votes. Nataraj had won this seat in 2016.The constituency recorded 74.89 percent voting this year, up from 56.24 percent in 2021. As one of the oldest and most culturally significant areas of Chennai, Mylapore remains a politically influential urban seat.

Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni: Udhayanidhi Stalin vs Adhirajaram

Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni is a key constituency where DMK’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is in the fray against AIADMK’s Adhirajaram, along with TVK’s D Selvam.In the 2021 elections, Udhayanidhi Stalin won with 93,285 votes (67.9% vote share), defeating PMK’s Kasali AVA, who had contested the election as part of the AIADMK alliance.Voter turnout increased from 57.82 percent to 84.28 percent in 2021, showing increased participation in this high-profile seat.

Sriperumbudur: K Selvaperunthagai vs K Palani vs K Thennarasu

Sriperumbudur is witnessing a triangular contest between Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K Selvaperunthagai, AIADMK’s K Palani and TVK’s K Thennarasu.In the 2021 elections, Selvaperunthagai polled 1,15,353 votes (43.65% vote share), defeating Palani by 10,879 votes. In 2016, Palani had won the seat by a margin of 10,716 votes.Voter turnout this year increased from 74 percent to 86.09 percent in 2021. The constituency, known for its industrial base, is a leading indicator of labor and economic sentiment.

Sattur: Nainar Nagendran vs Polygon Ground

In Sattur, located in Virudhunagar district, there is a contest between BJP state president Nainar Nagendran and TVK’s Ajit M.In the 2021 elections, MDMK’s ARR Raghuraman (contesting on the DMK symbol) won by 74,174 votes, defeating AIADMK’s RK Ravichandran by 11,179 votes.This constituency has been alternating between DMK and AIADMK over the years, making it a competitive seat where vote division could play a decisive role.

what is at stake

The 2026 elections are not just about forming the next government but about the future of the political structure of Tamil Nadu.For Stalin and the DMK, it is about continuity, integration and potentially securing consecutive terms. For the AIADMK, it is about revival after internal challenges in the post-Jayalalitha phase. For Vijay’s TVK, this is the first big test of whether celebrity-driven mobilization can translate into electoral success.