Vijay's TVK Wins 107 Seats in Historic Tamil Nadu Election, Defeats DMK

Key facts

• TVK won 107 seats, DMK 59, AIADMK 47, Congress 5.
• Chief Minister MK Stalin lost his Kolathur seat to TVK's VS Babu by 8,795 votes.
• TVK's Sabarinathan, son of Vijay's driver, won Virugambakkam by 27,086 votes.
• Vijay won both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies.
• TVK secured 34.92% vote share; DMK alliance 24.20%; AIADMK 21.25%.
• Elections held April 23; counting completed May 4.
• TVK needs 118 seats for majority; potential allies hold 18 seats.
• First time since 1967 a non-DMK/AIADMK party emerged as largest.

A Political Earthquake in Tamil Nadu

Actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has won 107 seats in the 234-member Tamil Nadu assembly, delivering a stunning defeat to the incumbent Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its president, Chief Minister MK Stalin, who lost his own Kolathur constituency. The result marks the first time since 1967 that a party other than the two Dravidian heavyweights — DMK and AIADMK — has emerged as the single largest party in the state. TVK's victory, achieved just over two years after its founding in February 2024, has shattered the binary politics that dominated Tamil Nadu for over 50 years. The party's debut performance, with a 34.92% vote share, has been described as a political startup turning into an instant unicorn, comparable to the rapid rises of the Aam Aadmi Party, Asom Gana Parishad, and Telugu Desam Party.

Stalin's Shock Defeat and Ministerial Casualties

The biggest shock of the night was Chief Minister MK Stalin's defeat in his Kolathur stronghold by a margin of 8,795 votes to little-known TVK candidate VS Babu, a former DMK member and ex-MLA. Stalin had not lost an election since 1991. More than 10 ministers, including Geetha Jeevan and Ma Subramanian, were also defeated. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who trailed initially in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, eventually won the seat. DMK President Stalin accepted the defeat gracefully, stating that his party bowed and accepted the people's verdict.

TVK's Sweep and Vijay's Dual Victory

TVK chief Vijay won from both Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, defeating DMK rival RD Shekar in Perambur. The party's candidate R Sabarinathan, son of Vijay's driver, won the Virugambakkam seat by a margin of 27,086 votes. TVK's VS Babu, who defeated Stalin, described himself as "just an ordinary worker." As TVK's victory became clear, supporters gathered outside the party office in Panaiyur, bursting firecrackers and distributing sweets. Vijay's fans showered his car with petals in jubilant celebrations.

Numbers and Vote Shares: A Tripartite Contest

TVK won 107 seats and led in two others, while DMK won 59 seats and led in one. AIADMK secured 47 seats, and Congress won 5. The DMK alliance overall won 73 seats with a 24.20% vote share, while AIADMK garnered 21.25% of the vote. TVK's vote share of 34.92% was the highest among all parties. AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami won by a record margin of 98,110 votes in his home segment of Edapadi in Salem district but conceded defeat overall, saying, "I wholeheartedly accept the decision given by the people. We will soon recover from this setback."

Historical Context and Firsts

TVK's rise breaks the Dravidian duopoly that has ruled Tamil Nadu since 1967, when the first non-Congress government (DMK) came to power. Vijay, who is Christian, will be the first person from a minority religion to helm the state. The party's victory in its debut election is unprecedented in Tamil Nadu's history. TVK made heavy inroads into AIADMK's bastion in western Tamil Nadu, including Coimbatore, while DMK managed to win some seats in the region. The party's campaign blended welfare promises, social justice messaging, and youth outreach, tapping into voter fatigue with the entrenched parties.

The Road to Government: Coalition Arithmetic

TVK needs 118 seats to form a majority government. With 107 seats, it falls 11 short. Potential allies include Congress (5 seats), IUML (2), Left parties (4), VCK (2), and PMK (5), together holding 18 seats. Vijay has repeatedly assured like-minded parties of a share in power, opening the door for a coalition government. If successful, TVK would become the first party in Tamil Nadu to assume power just over two years after its founding. The party's electoral debut has drawn comparisons to other political startups that quickly formed governments, such as AAP in 2013, AGP in 1985, and TDP in 1983.

Outlook: A New Chapter in Tamil Nadu Politics

The election outcome signals a broader shift in voter preferences towards new alternatives, as TVK's stunning performance has disrupted decades-old political dominance. The party's rise is expected to open a new chapter in the state's history, with its supporters hopeful of a stable government that brings change. However, the exact shape of the government remains uncertain, as TVK must navigate coalition negotiations. The DMK, now in opposition, will regroup after its worst defeat in decades. AIADMK, pushed to third place, faces an existential crisis. Tamil Nadu's political landscape has been fundamentally altered.

The bottom line

• TVK's 107-seat win ends the DMK-AIADMK duopoly that lasted over 50 years.
• Chief Minister MK Stalin lost his Kolathur seat, a historic personal defeat.
• TVK secured 34.92% vote share, the highest among all parties.
• Vijay will be the first Christian chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
• TVK needs coalition partners to reach the 118-seat majority.
• The election marks a record for a political startup forming government within two years of founding.