Chennai: Counting for the 2026 Assembly elections across five states has commenced, with postal ballots currently being tallied. Early trends from Tamil Nadu indicate an unexpected shift in the political landscape, drawing widespread attention.

Initially, the ruling DMK appeared to hold a clear advantage in the early stages of counting. However, subsequent developments have significantly altered the trajectory of the results. Actor-turned-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has made a remarkable surge, overtaking both the DMK and the traditionally strong AIADMK in several constituencies.

Intense Contest and Shifting Trends

The counting pattern, particularly of postal ballots, has sparked fresh interest among political analysts. While the DMK is striving to maintain its lead, TVK has gained momentum from a relatively modest base and moved ahead in the race.

According to the latest trends, DMK is leading in 46 seats, while TVK has taken the lead in 62 constituencies. Meanwhile, AIADMK is ahead in 36 seats. These figures indicate a potential realignment in Tamil Nadu’s political dynamics.

TVK’s increasing vote share in key constituencies has emerged as a significant factor contributing to its rise.

Are Exit Poll Predictions Coming True?

Pre-election projections led by Pradeep Gupta now appear to be aligning with the current trends. The emergence of TVK as a strong alternative to established Dravidian parties could influence the state’s governance trajectory over the next five years.

If the current trend continues, Tamil Nadu may witness a shift from long-standing Dravidian dominance towards a new political configuration, analysts suggest.