Tamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE: High-stakes contest for 234-seats; voting to begin soon

LiveTamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE: High-stakes contest for 234-seats; voting to begin soonBy Priyanshu PriyaUpdated on: Apr 23, 2026 6:51:50 AM ISTTamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE: Voting for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will begin at 7:00 am and will continue till 6:00 pm in a single-phase election.Tamil Nadu Election 2026 LIVE: Tamil Nadu votes today in high-stakes three-way battle as DMK, AIADMK face TVK challenge#seemoreWords { display: none !important; }Tamil Nadu election 2026 LIVE: After months of intense campaigning, Tamil Nadu heads to the polls on Thursday in what is shaping up to be a crucial and closely watched electoral contest. Voting for the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly will begin at 7:00 am and will continue till 6:00 pm in a single-phase election. The results will be counted on May 4, which will decide the next government in the southern state. The current Assembly’s tenure is set to end on May 10.The contest has generated significant anticipation, with voters weighing whether the DMK’s “Rising Sun” will secure another term, or if the AIADMK’s “Two Leaves” can stage a comeback. In Tamil Nadu, the main battle is shaping up between the ruling Congress and DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the BJP-AIADMK coalition. However, the entry of actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has added a fresh layer of competition, turning the election into a multi-cornered contest. Key candidates in fray A total of 4,023 candidates are in the fray across the state, including several high-profile leaders. Chief minister MK Stalin is contesting from Kolathur in Chennai, seeking a second straight term. His son and deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin is in the race from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni. On the other side, AIADMK chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami is contesting from Edappadi in Salem district. Vijay, making his electoral debut, is contesting from two constituencies — Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli East. Looking...