Was there a plot to topple the Vijay-led TVK government in Tamil Nadu? The state intelligence department has claimed it has foiled an alleged conspiracy to destabilise the TVK government, less than two months after it took office.

The plot allegedly involved engineering the simultaneous resignation of 15 TVK MLAs to bring down the government, sources said.

Acting on a TVK MLA’s complaint, officials launched a probe and arrested an employee of a consultancy firm. During the investigation, one of the arrested had links to DMK MLA Senthil Balaji’s brother. 

Two were arrested from Chennai, while another one was picked up from Trichy. Officials are probing the alleged conspiracy and its wider network.

MLA Was Offered Rs 35 Crore: Complaint

The case came to light after TVK MLA from Uthangarai, N Elaiyaraja, filed a complaint with Chennai Police. He alleged that a person from consultancy firm IPDS offered him Rs 35 crore to back a no-confidence motion against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar, a TVK leader. The MLA further alleged that he was later intimidated and told not to discuss the offer with anyone.

Sources told NDTV that one of the arrested persons is close to Senthil Balaji and his brother Ashok.

TVK Minister Hits Out At DMK

Tamil Nadu Minister CT Nirmal Kumar attacked the DMK over the alleged plot. “Individuals directly associated with Senthil Balaji, as well as those from the so-called ‘Karur Gang’, are directly implicated in this matter. The police must take legal action and arrest everyone involved. They must put an end to such nefarious activities,” Kumar said.

The minister also accused the DMK of colluding with AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami to try and bring down the Vijay-led government. He alleged that several TVK MLAs have been offered money to defect.

“Edappadi Palaniswami and others were attempting to form a government through underhanded means. Today, we are seeing the manifestation of that. Key DMK figures like Senthil Balaji, acting on the orders of MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi, have been contacting many of our MLAs. They have been offering sums of Rs 10 crore, 20 crore, or even 50 crore. There isn’t a single MLA they haven’t approached,” Kumar claimed.

DMK: ‘TVK Creating A Narrative’

The DMK accused the TVK of leaking details of an ongoing investigation. “TVK just wants to create a public perception by leaking investigation details. This shows they are low on facts and only want to create a narrative,” DMK spokesperson A Saravanan told NDTV.

He dared the TVK government to arrest Senthil Balaji if it has concrete proof.

Vijay and Senthil Balaji share an acrimonious relationship. The former DMK minister belongs to Karur, which witnessed a stampede during a Vijay election rally. Vijay had then accused Balaji of conspiring to engineer the stampede to discredit him. Balaji had denied the allegation. (NDTV)

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Sri Lanka’s Fisheries Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar on Thursday (May 14) urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, to ban the destructive bottom trawling fishing method, a practice prohibited in Sri Lanka since 2017.

Expressing willingness to resolve the fisheries conflict through talks and diplomatic channels, he said he hoped to travel to Tamil Nadu to meet the newly elected leader.

Addressing a press conference in Kilinochchi, Minister Chandrasekar made mention of the long-festering fisheries conflict in the Palk Strait, which impacts Tamil fishermen in northern Sri Lanka and their counterparts in Tamil Nadu, in response to a question from the media. (The Hindu)

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All Ceylon Tamil Congress MP Gajendrakumar Ponnambalam has called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to ensure that the state assembly reaffirms its 2013 resolution recognizing the genocide against Sri Lankan Tamils and demanding an international criminal investigation.

In a statement issued on May 10, Ponnambalam congratulated Vijay on his appointment as Chief Minister following the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, and urged him to demonstrate continuity in Tamil Nadu’s stance on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue.

He noted that since 2009, Sri Lankan Tamils have annually commemorated May 18 as “Mullivaikkal Genocide Day,” gathering in large numbers to remember those killed. In 2013, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passed a resolution declaring that genocide had been committed against Sri Lankan Tamils and calling for international accountability.

Ponnambalam said that although Vijay’s party was not in existence at that time, his government now has the opportunity to send a strong message by reaffirming the same position during the opening session of the Assembly this May.

“Such a move will show that Tamil Nadu maintains a consistent and determined stance on the Sri Lankan Tamil issue. It will strengthen the demand for an international criminal investigation and secure for you an enduring place in the hearts of Sri Lankan Tamils worldwide,” Ponnambalam stated.

The appeal was made in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Vijay, underscoring the expectation that Tamil Nadu’s new leadership will continue to support justice for Sri Lankan Tamils. (Newswire)

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Tamil Nadu chief minister Joseph Vijay on Wednesday won the crucial floor test in the state assembly, formally proving the majority of his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led post-poll coalition. 

The confidence vote was held in the assembly following governor RV Arlekar’s directive asking the newly formed government to prove its majority on or before May 13. 

In the final tally, Vijay’s administration secured the support of 144 legislators, while 22 voted against and five chose to abstain. 

This outcome followed a walkout by the primary opposition, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, with its 59 MLAs, while the third-largest party, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, chose to abstain with its 47 members.

“The whistle (the TVK’s election symbol) has changed history,” Vijay said after the result. “We will call ourselves a minority government… a government that will protect the rights of minorities.”

While the vote is now settled, the more significant development is the fragmentation within the AIADMK. Twenty-five AIADMK legislators backed Vijay and the TVK, openly defying party leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s directives and highlighting a deep internal rift that could potentially dismantle one of the state’s two major Dravidian powerhouses. 

How Do The Numbers Stack Up

In the 234-member assembly, the TVK held 107 seats, following Chief Minister Vijay’s decision to vacate the Tiruchirappalli East constituency. To secure a working majority, the party was bolstered by the support of 13 additional MLAs from a coalition including the Congress, IUML, VCK, CPI, and CPM.

But, TVK MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi had been restrained by the Madras High Court from taking part in the floor test as an MLA. This has reduced one MLA who can help Vijay pass the floor test. However, AMMK MLA S Kamaraj had also extended his support to Vijay’s TVK, changing his stance from his earlier forgery allegations.

So, now Chief Minister Vijay’s TVK had 120 MLAs for the floor test.

TVK MLA barred

On the eve of the confidence vote, the Madras High Court issued an interim order barring TVK MLA Srinivasa Sethupathi from participating in the floor test.

The ruling follows a petition by DMK leader K.R. Periyakaruppan, who lost the Tiruppattur seat by a single vote. Periyakaruppan alleged significant counting irregularities, specifically claiming that a postal ballot in his favor was mistakenly diverted to another constituency and subsequently rejected. The court has now restrained Sethupathi from voting in any legislative proceeding that tests the House’s numerical strength until the matter is resolved. (Republic World)

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The government of the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has ordered the closure of 717 state-run liquor outlets located near places of worship, educational institutions and bus stations.

Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay issued the directive shortly after assuming office, according to Indian media reports.

The liquor outlets are operated by the state-run Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation, widely known as TASMAC, which controls the retail sale of alcohol in the state.

Officials said the closures would apply to shops located within a 500-metre radius of temples, churches, mosques, schools, colleges and bus stations.

Reports said the state government had ordered a survey after Vijay took office to identify TASMAC outlets operating near such locations.

According to the findings, 276 shops were located near places of worship, 186 near educational institutions and 255 near bus stands.

The Tamil Nadu government said the closures would be carried out within two weeks “in the interest of public welfare”.

The move is seen as one of the first major policy decisions taken by Vijay since becoming chief minister. (Newswire)

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Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar on Thursday turned down TVK chief Vijay’s proposal to form the government for the second consecutive day. 

Vijay met the Governor again today at Raj Bhavan to stake claim to form the government, but the Governor asked him to return only after securing the support of 118 MLAs, sources said.

According to sources, the Governor told Vijay that TVK still fell short of the required numbers and asked him to come back with signatures of 118 MLAs before any swearing-in process could take place.

“Please come with 118 signatures. Prove that TVK has majority and then the oath can happen,” the Governor is learnt to have told Vijay. Sources said the Governor insisted on written support to ensure that the government remains stable and does not collapse after formation.

Sources also said the Governor assured Vijay that he would not invite any other party to form the government. TVK has been asked to return with signatures backing its numbers, following which Vijay would be sworn in. No appointment has been sought by AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) with the Governor.

Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar still has a few days left to take a decision as the tenure of the ongoing Assembly ends on May 9.

On the previous day as well, Vijay had met the Governor with the backing of 112 MLAs to stake claim to form the government.

Although Vijay secured support from the Congress, which has five MLAs, he orally informed the Governor that he had the party’s backing and sought more time to shore up the numbers further, according to sources.

However, Governor Arlekar reportedly told him that the numbers were insufficient and asked him to return with the support of 118 legislators, triggering a fresh round of political efforts.

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) chief Thol Thirumavalavan on Thursday urged Governor Arlekar to invite Vijay to form the government and allow him to prove his majority on the floor of the House.

Speaking to regional media, Thirumavalavan alleged that the BJP was interfering in Tamil Nadu politics and creating confusion. He said Vijay, as leader of the single largest party, should be allowed to take office and prove majority in the Assembly later.

“Now, the BJP, or Amit Shah and Modi, are interfering in Tamil Nadu politics and creating confusion. TVK has been chosen as the single largest party by the people. Therefore, he should be allowed to take office. That is the guidance provided by the Constitution,” he said.

The Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India also urged the Governor to act according to the Constitution and said it was “inappropriate” to ask Vijay to prove his majority before the swearing-in ceremony.

TVK stunned the Dravidian parties in the state and brought an end to the DMK-AIADMK three-decade-old political duopoly. With Vijay set to vacate one of the two seats he won in the Assembly polls, TVK’s effective strength in the House will come down to 107. Along with Congress, the alliance currently has 112 members, five short of the majority mark.

Article 164(1) of the Indian Constitution gives the Governor the power to appoint the Chief Minister. In the case of a hung Assembly, the Constitution also gives the Governor discretion to decide the right candidate for the Chief Minister’s post. 

Historically, Governors in several states have invited the leader of the single largest party to form a minority government. (India Today)

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Actor-turned-politician Vijay, who made a blockbuster debut in politics by breaking the DMK and AIADMK’s traditional duopoly, is likely to form a government as early as May 7, sources said. 

Vijay is all set to stake his claim on the top post in Tamil Nadu after voters in the state overwhelmingly voted in his favour. 

With a poll debut with an impressive 108 seats, Vijay will meet Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday (May 6).

However, in an assembly with 234 seats, Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) falls 10 short of the majority mark of 118. To become the ‘Thalapathy’ of the state, Vijay will have to bank on the allies. 

Congress, who won as many as 5 seats in the polls, and is an ally of MK Stalin-led DMK, has offered its support. Even if TVK and Congress join hands, the magic mark remains far. So what options does Vijay have? 

Options in front of Vijay and the number game for TVK

When Vijay meets the governor to submit his claim to form the government, the governor will ask him to show a proof of numbers. If TVK manages to garner support of smaller parties and reach the magic figure of 118, the governor will invite him to form the government. That’s a cakewalk scenario, which has not been the most ideal one in times of fractured mandate in any state.

Second, if Vijay and TVK manages to convince the governor that they have the required numbers, the governor may let them form the government but they would be forced to prove their numbers in the Assembly floor test. A floor test in a State Legislative Assembly is conducted under Article 174 and Article 175(2), as it provides power to the governor to summon the House for a confidence vote.

Third, the governor, if not convinced that the single largest party has the required number of seats, can invite the second largest party to form the government. In this case, the DMK with only 59 seats is the second largest party. Here, the governor’s discretionary power derived from Article 163 and Article 164 of the Indian Constitution comes to play. The drill remains the same for DMK too. They will have to prove their majority in a floor test.

Number game for TVK

TVK won 108 seats. But, its leader Vijay contested from Perumbur and Trichy East, winning both the seats. So, Vijay will have to choose one seat for being the MLA. That reduces TVK’s number to 107. Additionally, the ruling party will also have to appoint a speaker, which effectively brings the number down to 106. 

However, in both the cases, the magic number also changes. So, the effective strength of the House becomes 117. In any case, Vijay will have to ensure 117 mark to form the government.

Another hack that Vijay can use in his favour is ensuring the absence of elected representatives. On the day of floor test, the magic number is calculated on the basis of members present in the House, plus 1. This rule has often paved way to what we know in Indian politics as ‘resort politics’. Before the floor test, parties keep their MLAs in resorts and hotels to avoid poaching and ensure their presence during floor test. If Vijay manages absence of a few elected representatives of smaller parties to not attend the floor test, the magic number can reduce, thus helping his TVK.

What is Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections Results?

In Tamil Nadu, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has secured a decisive victory with 108 seats, emerging as the single largest party in the 234-member Assembly. The DMK finishes second with 59 seats, while AIADMK comes third with 47 seats. Though a clear mandate in favour of TVK, it falls short of an absolute majority on its own, making post-poll alliances crucial to forming the government. Among other parties, Congress wins 5 seats, followed by PMK with 4 seats. IUML, CPI, VCK, and CPI(M) secure 2 seats each. Meanwhile, BJP, DMDK, and AMMK manage 1 seat each. (WION)

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Jaffna District MP Archchuna Ramanathan declared in Parliament today (05) that Jaffna should be handed over to Tamil Nadu along with the Kachchatheevu Island, claiming the people of Tamil Nadu would offer better protection to Sri Lankan Tamils.

Addressing the Parliament, MP Archchuna congratulated Indian actor‑turned‑politician C. Joseph Vijay on his recent electoral victory. 

He noted that when Vijay requested Kachchatheevu, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake had refused, adding: “Along with Kachchatheevu, Jaffna too should be given to Tamil Nadu. The Tamil Nadu people will protect us.”

The MP made the remarks while raising concerns over electricity shortages in northern islands. 

He revealed that during a recent visit to Delft Island, electricity was supplied only five days a week, and questioned when the government would guarantee uninterrupted power to the region. (Newswire)

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A senior minister from India’s southern state of Tamil Nadu has lost his seat by a margin of just one vote, underlining the razor-thin nature of electoral contests in the world’s largest democracy.

K R Periyakaruppan, a veteran leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), was defeated in the Tiruppattur constituency during the 2026 state assembly elections, according to official results reported by Indian media.

The extraordinarily narrow margin is among the closest ever recorded in Indian electoral history, where victories are often decided by thousands, and sometimes tens of thousands, of votes.

Election officials typically conduct mandatory recounts in such tight races to ensure accuracy. While there was no immediate indication of irregularities, results with margins this small are often subject to heightened scrutiny.

The outcome has sparked widespread discussion across India, with many pointing to the result as a reminder of the importance of voter participation.

Tamil Nadu, one of India’s most politically active states, saw high voter turnout in this election, with several closely fought constituencies reflecting an intensely competitive political landscape.

Analysts say the result in Tiruppattur highlights how even a single vote can determine political careers, and, potentially, the direction of governance.

The DMK, one of the state’s dominant political parties, has not yet issued a detailed response to the defeat.

For many observers, the result serves as a powerful illustration of a fundamental democratic principle: every vote counts. (Newswire)

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Batticaloa District MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam today (05) extended congratulations to Indian actor‑turned‑politician C. Joseph Vijay on what he described as a historic election victory.

Speaking in Parliament, Rasamanickam said that as the premier Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, they look forward to working closely with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the people of Tamil Nadu.

His remarks come in the wake of Vijay’s electoral success in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026, where his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the largest party. (Newswire)

Congratulations to Joseph Vijay on a historic victory. As the premier Tamil political party in Sri Lanka, we look forward to working closely with the Government of Tamil Nadu and the people of Tamil Nadu.

இலங்கை பாராளுமன்றத்தில் இருந்து..!
முதல் முதலாக..! தமிழக வெற்றிக் கழக… pic.twitter.com/hPeqmxZysH

— Shanakiyan Rajaputhiran Rasamanickam (@ShanakiyanR) May 5, 2026

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MK Stalin has resigned from his position as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, submitting his resignation letter to the Governor’s office. 

The move marks a significant turning point in the state’s political landscape, coming in the wake of the just-concluded legislative assembly elections.

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, currently serving as Governor of Kerala and holding additional charge of Tamil Nadu since March 2026, is expected to act on Stalin’s resignation.

After tendering his resignation, Stalin updated his profile on X, identifying himself solely as the president of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), dropping the “Chief Minister” designation. In a heartfelt post, he expressed gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu for their support in the elections.

“I express my heartfelt and sincere gratitude to all the people of Tamil Nadu who voted for the candidates of the secular progressive alliance led by the DMK,” he wrote. Stalin emphasised that each vote was an invaluable token of trust, noting that the DMK alliance had secured over 1.54 crore votes. He pointed out that the winning party had only a marginal lead of 17.43 lakh votes, translating to a difference of just 3.52 per cent.

Stalin urged all DMK candidates to personally meet their constituents and thank them for their support, stressing that democracy is built on reverence for the people. He reminded party members that whether in government or opposition, their duty remained the same: to serve the people.

Stalin urged all DMK candidates to personally meet their constituents and thank them for their support, stressing that democracy is built on reverence for the people. He reminded party members that whether in government or opposition, their duty remained the same: to serve the people.

Addressing messages of consolation from supporters, Stalin reassured them of his resilience. “For me, who was created by you, who gained strength from your strength-what worry do I have as long as you are with me?” he wrote. He invoked the legacy of his father, the late M. Karunanidhi, and reaffirmed his commitment to the Dravidian movement’s principles of protecting race, language, and nation.

Stalin concluded by pledging that the DMK would continue its journey, whether as a ruling party formulating schemes or as an opposition fighting for the people’s demands. “We will win again,” he declared.

The election results have reshaped Tamil Nadu’s political map. Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the largest party, winning 108 seats. The DMK was reduced to 59 seats, while its allies fared modestly: Congress secured five seats, IUML, VCK, and CPI won two each. The AIADMK claimed 48 seats, PMK four, while the BJP, DMDK, and AMMK each managed one seat.

Stalin’s resignation signals the beginning of a new chapter in Tamil Nadu politics, with the DMK preparing to take up the mantle of opposition. The coming months will reveal how the party recalibrates its strategy and continues its role in shaping the state’s political discourse. (One India)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa extended congratulations to Indian actor‑turned‑politician C. Joseph Vijay, calling his victory in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026 a “resounding” one.

In a post on ‘X’, Namal wished Vijay and his team the strength to overcome challenges and deliver tangible benefits to the people.

He also expressed hope for a stronger and more positive relationship between Sri Lanka and India, particularly on issues affecting citizens of both nations.

“My very best wishes to you and your team,” Namal added, tagging Vijay’s official account.

The congratulatory message follows Vijay’s electoral success, with his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as the largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election 2026. (Newswire)

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Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s VS Babu on Monday defeated Chief Minister MK Stalin at his stronghold, Kolathur, in what is one of the biggest electoral upsets in the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections.

Babu, whose TVK is fighting the maiden elections, defeated the DMK stalwart by more than 9,000 votes after 22 rounds of counting of votes polled in the April 23 state elections, according to the data available on the Election Commission website.

While Babu received more than 82,000 votes, Stalin, who held the seat since 2011, got around 73,000. AIADMK’s R Santhanakrishnan stood in the third position with 14,000 votes.

In 2021, Stalin won the seat by over 70,000 votes against AIADMK’s Aadhi Rajaram, who lost the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency to Stalin’s son, Udhayanidhi Stalin.

VS Babu, A TVK Giantkiller

VS Babu has formerly been associated with the DMK and AIADMK, the two parties that have dominated Tamil Nadu politics.

The 75-year-old served as the Purasawalkam MLA from 2006 to 2011. He was also the DMK’s district secretary for north Chennai until 2011.

He was in charge of the Kolathur constituency for the 2011 assembly elections. He, however, was reportedly questioned by the DMK for Stalin’s narrow victory and was replaced.

He later joined the AIADMK.

He then joined TVK this year and is currently the joint general secretary of the party, which was launched by actor Vijay to take on the DMK and AIADMK in 2024.

TVK Setback For DMK, AIADMK In Tamil Nadu Elections

The TVK looks set to deal a big blow to the ruling DMK and the main opposition party, AIADMK, the latest trends on the EC website showed.

Vijay’s party is currently ahead in 107 of the state’s 234 seats.

Former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami-led AIADMK is leading in 47 seats, while the DMK is ahead in 35 seats.

According to the EC data, more than a dozen Tamil Nadu ministers, including DMK general secretary Duraimurugan, Thangam Thennarasu, TRB Rajaa, Ma Subramanian, PK Sekar Babu, EV Velu, KN Nehru, Getha Jeevan and KKSSR Ramachandran, are trailing.

If the trends maintain, 51-year-old Vijay, who is leading from both his seats — Tiruchi (East) and Perambur — could as well ensure the biggest electoral upset in Tamil Nadu.

Vijay’s party would create history if it crosses the majority mark of 118 seats. No party has managed to assume power in Tamil Nadu in just two years after being founded. (NDTV)

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As per the latest update from the Election Commission of India, TVK is leading in 103 seats in Tamil Nadu, strengthening its position as the frontrunner in the state.

The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is leading in 67 seats, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) is trailing with 38 seats.

One of the most talked-about developments is actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, whose party TVK is showing a strong performance in early trends. In the Perambur constituency, Vijay is leading by a margin of 5,865 votes over DMK’s R.D. Shekar after the second round of counting.

He is also ahead in Tiruchirappalli (East), where he has secured an early lead of 5,286 votes against DMK candidate S. Inigo Irudayaraj after the third round.

These early trends have generated significant buzz, as TVK appears to be making a strong electoral debut. However, with counting still underway across all constituencies, the final outcome remains uncertain.

As of 11.15 am, the latest trends show that Vijay’s TVK has secured 107 seats, followed by ADMK with 77 seats, and DMK with 49 seats. (Pratidin Time)

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Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Namal Rajapaksa has strongly condemned the brutal assault of a Sri Lankan fisherman in Tamil Nadu, describing the incident as “deeply alarming” and calling for urgent government intervention.

Rajapaksa said the fisherman was attacked by Tamil Nadu fishermen, even in the presence of local police, and urged authorities to ensure his immediate safety and secure his swift return home. 

“This incident also underscores the urgent need for stronger border control measures to better protect our fishermen from the Northern Province,” he said in a statement on ‘X’. 

Rajapaksa further accused Tamil Nadu politicians of exploiting Sri Lankan Tamil issues for political gain while remaining silent when Sri Lankan fishermen are attacked on Tamil Nadu soil. (Newswire)

Disturbing scenes of an our fisherman being brutally assaulted by fishermen from Tamil Nadu is deeply alarming. Such acts of violence are unacceptable. I strongly urge the government to intervene without delay, ensure his immediate safety, and take all necessary steps to secure… pic.twitter.com/lhBSzVVWRb

— Namal Rajapaksa (@RajapaksaNamal) April 28, 2026

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Voters in Tamil Nadu will take part in an unprecedented triangular contest on Thursday, 23 April, in the 2026 Assembly elections. Polling will be held in a single phase across all 234 constituencies, from 7 am to 6 pm, at 75,064 booths across the state.

Following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India late last year, 5,73,43,291 electors are enrolled to vote. This includes 2,80,30,658 men, 2,93,04,905 women, and 7,728 third gender electors.

Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik said 14,59,039 new voters have been added, along with 68,501 service electors. Authorities have received 4,18,541 postal ballots so far.

As per the ECI’s instructions under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, poll day has been declared a public holiday.

It applies to every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking or other establishment, including those working outside their constituency.

Voters will not be allowed to carry mobile phones inside polling booths. 

Arrangements have been made outside polling stations to store devices safely.

Dry days have been notified across Tamil Nadu and in border areas of neighbouring states and union territories from 21 April to 23 April, and again on 4 May, when the votes will be counted.

A repeat of 2006?

The principal contenders are the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, which includes over 20 parties and community organisations; the AIADMK-led National Democratic Alliance; Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by actor Vijay; and Naam Tamilar Katchi, led by Seeman.

Some political observers expect no party to win a clear majority. Others say anti-DMK votes may not consolidate behind the AIADMK but shift to Vijay. That shift would split the opposition vote further and could allow the DMK to retain power without a unified challenge.

Such a result has precedent. In 2006, no party won a majority, but the ruling AIADMK secured 61 seats, rising to 69 with allies. The DMK, then in opposition, emerged as the single largest party with 96 seats, still short of the 117 required.

With support from the Congress (34 seats), along with Left parties and other allies, the DMK formed a minority government. That election is considered the last “broken mandate” in the state. The question now is whether the 2026 election will produce another fractured verdict.

Polling infrastructure and security

Across the state, 75,064 polling stations have been set up at 33,133 locations with 1,06,408 EVMs, 75,064 control units and 75,064 VVPAT machines. Additionally, 20 percent of machines are kept as reserve. There will be 63 counting centres and four control rooms established.

Special polling stations include:
249 model polling stations
325 all-women polling stations
71 polling stations managed by persons with disabilities
79 polling stations run by young staff
Select locations will also have green polling stations

A total of 3,60,068 polling personnel, 83,875 police personnel and 40,427 non-police personnel are involved in the polling process. In addition, 300 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, allotted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, have been deployed across all districts.

Authorities have identified 5,949 polling stations as sensitive. Through the cVIGIL app, they have received 5,634 complaints, which are being addressed.

Thus far, in enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, officials have seized ₹1,262 crore worth of cash and gift items, including ₹543 crore in cash. (South First)

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Sri Lanka is ready to receive and support all those forced to flee the country during the civil war and now living as refugees in Tamil Nadu, Minister Bimal Rathnayake said, speaking to Indian media, The Hindu. 

According to the news report, Minister Rathnayake urged the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu to refrain from using refugees as “a tool for political propaganda”.

The Minister made the remarks when queried about the government’s current position on refugee-returnees from Tamil Nadu, in the wake of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s letter, dated February 15, 2026, to Prime Minister Modi seeking the Union government’s intervention on issues concerning Sri Lankan Tamils living in India for over four decades. 

Apart from requesting New Delhi to rescind administrative instructions barring consideration of citizenship applications from Sri Lankan Tamils, Stalin sought an executive clarification waiving passport and visa requirements, where appropriate, for citizenship or long-term visa applications based on verified identity documentation issued by the Tamil Nadu government. 

According to Stalin’s letter, around 89,000 individuals reside in and outside camps across Tamil Nadu, while nearly 40% of them were born there.

Pointing out that 18,542 persons returned from Tamil Nadu to Sri Lanka in the 16 years from January 2009, after the civil war ended in May that year, to June 2025, Minister Rathnayake said the government was certainly ready to welcome those who wish to return. 

“However, if some of them, born in India, or who have lived, studied, and worked there for decades, or married an Indian, decide to seek Indian citizenship, we cannot argue with that position. It is their reality and their right to seek citizenship there,” he said. 

Further, in a message to political actors in India, he said: “My humble request to the Government of India and Government of Tamil Nadu is that please don’t use the refugees as a tool for political propaganda around elections. They have endured enormous suffering already; we must treat their request with care and sensitivity.”

A prominent voice in the ruling Anura Kumara Dissanayake administration, Minister Rathnayake had visited refugee camps in Tamil Nadu in 2007, and pushed the Sri Lankan government to pass a law granting citizenship to 28,500 persons living in the camps. 

In May 2025, when former Jaffna MP M.A. Sumanthiran highlighted the arrest of a 75-year-old Sri Lankan Tamil refugee returning from India, on charges of leaving the island without a valid passport, Minister Rathnayake said the government would address the matter.

“The government immediately instructed the Immigration Department and police not to detain those returning, citing their departure from a so-called illegal port decades ago,” he said. (Newswire/ The Hindu)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday wrote to Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, urging immediate diplomatic intervention to prevent the continued detention of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy and to secure the swift release of those currently in custody along with their fishing boats.

In his letter, Stalin drew attention to a fresh incident in which three fishermen from Ramanathapuram district were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy on Sunday while fishing in what they said were traditional fishing waters. The fishermen had ventured out from the Mandapam fishing harbour on December 27 and were arrested along with their mechanised fishing boat the next day on charges of crossing the maritime boundary.

Expressing serious concern, the Chief Minister said such incidents have been occurring with alarming frequency and have caused severe disruption to the livelihoods of thousands of fishing families along the Tamil Nadu coast. He noted that repeated arrests and seizure of boats have pushed fishermen into economic distress and uncertainty, even as many continue to depend solely on the sea for survival.

According to the data cited in the letter, 61 fishermen from Tamil Nadu and 248 fishing boats remain under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities. Stalin urged the Union government to take up the matter urgently through appropriate diplomatic channels to ensure the early release of all detained fishermen and their vessels and to put in place effective mechanisms to prevent such arrests in the future.

The Chief Minister reiterated that safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen must remain a top priority in bilateral engagements with Sri Lanka. (DT Next)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has urged Indian Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan Government to secure the release of all the detained fishermen.

“I wish to bring to your kind attention the recent apprehension of 35 Indian fishermen from Tamil Nadu and their fishing boats by the Sri Lankan Navy,” Stalin informed Jaishankar in a DO (Demi-Official) letter on Monday.

He explained that on Monday, the Sri Lankan Navy detained 31 fishermen from Nagapattinam along with their three mechanised fishing boats. On the same day, in a separate incident, four fishermen from Ramanathapuram District were also apprehended, along with their country craft.

“These recurrent incidents have caused profound distress among the fishing communities of Tamil Nadu, whose lives and livelihoods are inextricably linked to the sea. Each apprehension not only deprives families of their primary means of sustenance but also instils a deep sense of fear and insecurity. As of now, 114 fishermen and 247 boats are under the custody of Sri Lankan authorities,” the letter pointed out.

Stalin requested the Union Minister to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts with the Sri Lankan Government to secure the release of all the detained fishermen from Tamil Nadu along with their fishing boats. (DT Next)

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday inaugurated 729 newly built houses, constructed for Rs 38.76 crore, in Sri Lankan Tamils’ rehabilitation camps across five districts of the state, via video conference from the Secretariat.

According to Indian Media, DT Next, Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management KKSSR Ramachandran and Chief Secretary N Muruganandam were present on the occasion.

As per the announcement made in the State Assembly under Rule 110 in August 2021, to improve the living conditions of Sri Lankan Tamils residing in 67 camps across 26 districts, the Tamil Nadu government has undertaken several measures, including the construction of new houses and the repair and renovation of existing ones, according to an official statement.

The newly constructed houses are located in camps in Villupuram, Tiruppur, Salem, Dharmapuri and Virudhunagar districts.

Additionally, the government has initiated works to enhance basic amenities in the camps, such as roads, electricity lines and drinking water supply, for Rs 7.33 crore.

In the first phase of the rehabilitation programme, the government had issued an order to construct a total of 3,510 houses at Rs 180.34 cr in 35 camps. 

So far, a total of 2,781 houses have been constructed in 32 camps across 18 districts and handed over to the beneficiaries. (Newswire/ DT Next)

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