Thol. Thirumavalavan, chief of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and a key ally of the DMK, has dismissed actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a serious contender in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, saying the party may cut into votes but lacked the strength to win.
Thirumavalavan said TVK, a new entrant, may attempt to draw both anti-DMK and anti-AIADMK votes, but cannot overtake either the MK Stalin-led alliance or the Opposition bloc. “TVK can split anti-DMK and anti-AIADMK votes, but do not have that strength to win Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. There is no chance,” he asserted, expressing confidence that the DMK alliance would return to power.
Furthermore, he also said the VCK is optimistic of winning all eight seats it is contesting.
The remarks came amid mixed projections from post-poll exit surveys. While most polls indicated a return of the DMK-led alliance, some suggested a possible resurgence for the AIADMK. Axis My India has even hinted at a surprise outcome, predicting 98-120 seats for Vijay’s party in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly.
According to Today’s Chanakya exit poll, the DMK-led alliance is projected to secure around 125 seats in the 234-member Assembly, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 118. The survey predicted a strong debut for TVK with 63 seats, placing it ahead of the AIADMK alliance, which was projected to win 45 seats, with a margin of error of 11 seats.
Rejecting these projections, TVK leader KA Sengottaiyan claimed that exit polls have failed to capture the scale of support for his party. “We will win 200 seats and rule Tamil Nadu. This has already been decided by the people,” he said.
Sengottaiyan also framed the party’s rise as a political turning point. “After the Green Revolution, White Revolution and Socialist Revolution, this will be the Whistle Revolution’ led by Thalapathy, which will be known not just in Tamil Nadu but globally,” he said.
For the 2026 elections, the DMK is leading its Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK), VCK, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Tamil Nadu went to polls in a single phase on April 23 and counting of votes will take place on May 4. The Election Commission said a three-tier security system will be in place at counting centres across the state.
Elections 2026 | Tamil Nadu Election | Tamil Nadu Election Constituencies | Tamil Nadu Election Schedule
– Ends
Tune In
