Vijay's TVK Leads in 109 Tamil Nadu Assembly Seats

Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) claimed a stunning debut victory in Tamil Nadu's 2026 assembly elections on May 4, leading in 109 of the 234 legislative seats and positioning itself as the single-largest party capable of forming the government.

The results marked a seismic shift in the state's politics, long dominated by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). TVK trailed neither incumbent Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's DMK nor AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami's faction, propelled by Vijay's massive fan base and grassroots network. Early trends showed TVK ahead in key constituencies, with final tallies expected to confirm its lead.

Vijay, 51, built his political foundation over 15 years through the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam (VMI), restructured from his fan clubs in 2009. The organization conducted social welfare activities, including flood relief distributions of milk, bread and eggs in northern Chennai, medical camps, blood donation drives, study centers and weekly aid programs. Residents in flood-hit areas recalled VMI's support during crises.

VMI entered elections indirectly in 2011,...