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DMK Set for Second Term in Tamil Nadu, Exit Polls Show Clear Lead

Exit polls for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections project a clear victory for the ruling DMK-led alliance, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin likely to return for a second term. The DMK alliance is predicted to win between 125 and 145 seats in the 234-member Assembly, comfortably above the majority mark of 118. The AIADMK-led alliance is projected to secure 65-80 seats, while actor C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is expected to make a strong debut with 18-24 seats. Results will be declared on May 4, with all major surveys consistently showing a lead for the DMK.

Key Points: DMK to Return to Power in Tamil Nadu: Exit Polls

  • DMK-led alliance projected to win 125-145 seats in 234-member Assembly
  • AIADMK alliance likely to secure 65-80 seats
  • Actor Vijay's TVK makes notable debut with 18-24 seats
  • Voter turnout recorded at 85.10% on April 23
2 min read

DMK set to return to power in Tamil Nadu, indicate exit polls

Exit polls project DMK-led alliance winning 125-145 seats in Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with AIADMK at 65-80 and Vijay’s TVK making debut.

"All major exit polls consistently indicate a clear lead for the DMK-led alliance - People's Pulse"

Chennai, April 29

Exit polls for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections released on Wednesday indicate a clear advantage for the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance, suggesting that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is likely to secure a second consecutive term in office.

The 234-member Assembly went to polls in a single phase on April 23, with results scheduled to be declared on May 4.

A voter turnout of 85.10 per cent was recorded, reflecting strong public participation in what was largely seen as a four-cornered contest between the DMK-led front, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK)-led alliance, actor C. Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).

According to the People's Pulse exit poll, the DMK-led alliance (DMK+) is projected to win between 125 and 145 seats, comfortably crossing the majority mark of 118.

The AIADMK-led alliance is likely to secure 65 to 80 seats, while TVK could make a notable debut with 18 to 24 seats.

Other parties are likely to win between two and six Assembly constituencies.

Similar trends were reflected in other surveys.

Axis My India also projected the DMK alliance winning 125-145 seats, with the AIADMK alliance trailing at 65-80 seats and TVK securing 18-24 seats.

The Matrix poll estimated the DMK alliance's tally between 122 and 132 seats, while the AIADMK alliance could win 87-110 seats.

TVK's performance was pegged at 10-12 seats, with others getting up to six.

Meanwhile, the P-Marq exit poll predicted the DMK alliance winning 125-145 seats, the AIADMK alliance 65-85 seats, and TVK emerging with a significant 16-26 seats.

Smaller parties and Independents are expected to win between one and six seats.

Despite minor variations, all major exit polls consistently indicate a clear lead for the DMK-led alliance, reinforcing expectations of its return to power.

The AIADMK alliance appears to lag behind, while TVK's entry has added a new dynamic to the state's political landscape by drawing a share of votes across traditional party lines.

With counting of votes set for May 4, the final outcome will determine whether the exit poll projections hold and whether the DMK secures another term in Tamil Nadu.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Tamilian, I'm happy with the high voter turnout of 85%! Shows our democracy is strong. But I hope whoever wins focuses on real issues like water sharing with Karnataka and job creation for our youth, not just freebies.
R
Ravi K
DMK getting 125-145 seats as per exit polls? That's a comfortable majority but I hope they don't become complacent. Need better infrastructure in rural areas and proper implementation of welfare schemes. Let's see if Stalin can deliver this time.
A
Arun Y
TVK's performance is what makes this election interesting - they're drawing votes from both DMK and AIADMK. If they really get 18-24 seats, it could reshape Tamil Nadu politics for the next decade. But I'm skeptical about exit polls, they predicted wrong in 2021 for some states.
N
Neha E
Disappointed to see AIADMK trailing so badly. They really need to rethink their strategy and leadership. But I hope whoever wins keeps Tamil Nadu's culture and language at the forefront, and works on better relations with the central government for our state's development.
S
Suresh O
Four-cornered contest really made it interesting! 85% turnout is amazing - shows people care about their future. But exit polls ka koi bharosa nahi hai bhai. Let's wait for May 4. DMK should focus on reducing unemployment, AIADMK needs to rebrand, and TVK has potential if they stay grounded.

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