Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026: The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam released its first list of candidates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on Saturday, March 28, 2026. DMK chief and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will contest from the Kolathur constituency, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been fielded from the Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni constituency.
In a notable political move, expelled All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader O. Panneerselvam, who recently joined the DMK, has been fielded from Bodinayakkanur. His associates, Paul Manoj Pandian and R. Vaithilingam, who also joined the party earlier, have been given tickets. Former minister V. Senthil Balaji will contest from Coimbatore South.
The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the AIADMK along with the Bharatiya Janata Party and Pattali Makkal Katchi.
Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, potentially turning the election into a three-way contest.
Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.