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Tamil Nadu assembly election 2026: DMK fields 164 candidates with 60 new faces
The DMK has released a slate of 164 candidates for the Tamil Nadu assembly polls, introducing 60 new faces while retaining most senior leaders. Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will contest from Kolathur and Chepauk. Allies have 70 seats, and the election is on April 23 with counting on May 4, as Vijay's TMK seeks a three-way contest.
Why It Matters
The outcome will influence the balance of power in Tamil Nadu and could affect broader national political alignments ahead of future elections.
Timeline
6 Events
TMK emerges as potential three-way contest in Tamil Nadu
April 21, 2026
The main contest is expected to be between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA, with actor-turned-politician Vijay’s TMK making a bid to turn the election into a three-way contest.
Tamil Nadu assembly polls scheduled for April 23; counting on May 4
April 21, 2026
The Tamil Nadu assembly polls will be conducted in a single phase on April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.
Stalin says all candidates are 'victory candidates'
April 21, 2026
Stalin expressed confidence and branded each DMK candidate as a 'victory candidate'.
Allies allotted 70 seats with specific party breakdown
April 21, 2026
Out of 234 constituencies, 70 seats have been allocated to DMK's allies: Congress 28, VCK 8, DMDK 10, CPI(M) 5, CPI 5, with smaller regional allies receiving two to four seats each.
Stalin and Udhayanidhi to contest from Kolathur and Chepauk
April 21, 2026
Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin will contest from their sitting seats Kolathur and Chepauk, respectively.
DMK announces 164-seat contest with 60 new faces
April 21, 2026
The DMK will contest 164 seats in the Tamil Nadu assembly election and has introduced 60 new faces while retaining most senior leaders.