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Tamil Nadu 2026: EPS Palaniswami leads by 1.38 lakh votes in Edappadi; counting underway
Edappadi K Palaniswami, AIADMK general secretary, leads in his home Edappadi constituency with 1,38,330 votes and a margin of 90,278 as counting proceeds. Independent Premkumar K and DMK’s Kasi C trail, while polls were held on April 23 and counting on May 4. The piece provides background on Palaniswami’s political career and the NDA-DMK contest in Tamil Nadu.
Why It Matters
The result signals the strength of AIADMK under EPS in a key Western belt and sets the stage for the NDA’s challenge to the DMK-led government in Tamil Nadu, affecting state politics and potential coalition dynamics.
Timeline
9 Events
May 4, 2026: Counting shows EPS leading in Edappadi with 1,38,330 votes
May 4, 2026
EC data reports Edappadi K Palaniswami leading with 1,38,330 votes and a margin of 90,278; Premkumar K trails with 48,052 and Kasi C with 40,221 votes.
April 23, 2026: Polling held for all 234 seats
April 23, 2026
Polling for all 234 seats in Tamil Nadu was conducted on April 23, 2026 as part of the 2026 assembly elections.
May 11, 2021: Took over as Leader of the Opposition
May 11, 2021
Palaniswami took over as Leader of the Opposition on May 11, 2021.
2021: Won Edappadi seat with 93,802 vote margin
2021
In 2021, Palaniswami secured a victory in Edappadi with a margin of 93,802 votes against DMK's Sampathkumar.
2017: Became Chief Minister
2017
Palaniswami served as Chief Minister from 2017 to 2021.
2016: Palaniswami wins Edappadi by 42,022 votes
2016
In 2016, Palaniswami won Edappadi by a margin of 42,022 votes against the DMK's Karthe.
2011: Palaniswami serves another term for Edappadi
2011
Palaniswami again represents the Edappadi constituency in another term.
1991: Palaniswami represents Edappadi again
1991
Palaniswami continues his representation of the Edappadi constituency, indicating a subsequent term.
1989: Palaniswami begins representing Edappadi
1989
Palaniswami begins representing the Edappadi constituency, marking the start of his electoral tenure in the area.