Tamil Nadu Assembly election 2026: a game of four

With the filing of nominations set to begin in about 10 days, the political theatre in Tamil Nadu is all set to have yet another show of lively, even acrimonious performances from different actors. This time the show may be, in certain respects, different from the previous ones, in view of reports of voters among Gen Z feeling left out by established political forces — the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). Will the presence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), headed by popular actor Vijay, cause a disruption, and at what level?

As on date, the coalitions led by the DMK and the AIADMK — the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) respectively — have not yet finalised the seat-sharing process.

The DMK, which has entered into electoral pacts with the Congress (for 28 seats); the Communist Party of India (CPI – five seats); the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (four seats); and the Indian Union Muslim League, the Manithaneya Makkal Katchi and the Kongunadu Makkal Desiya Katchi (two seats each), has not yet firmed up the deal with the CPI (Marxist), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and the Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM).