Chennai: In a surprising political twist, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin faced a significant defeat in the Kolathur Assembly constituency, marking a pivotal moment for the DMK and altering the political dynamics of the state.
This unexpected loss comes as actor-turned-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rises as a powerful new player in Tamil Nadu's political arena.
V.S. Babu from TVK claimed victory in Kolathur, garnering 68,419 votes and defeating Stalin by a margin of 7,731 votes.
In another remarkable outcome, TVK's Vijay Dhamu, an auto driver, triumphed in the Royapuram constituency in North Chennai, overcoming AIADMK's D. Jayakumar and DMK’s Subair Khan, the son of former minister Rahman Khan.
This win is viewed as a strong indicator of grassroots empowerment and a clear signal from voters desiring change.
As TVK's success became apparent, congratulatory messages flooded in from various political and entertainment figures.
Actor Kajal Aggarwal praised Vijay’s 'spectacular and resounding victory', referencing one of his famous film lines to emphasize the level of public support.
In a post on X, she highlighted the results as a reflection of his vision, determination, and strong bond with the people.
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh also extended his congratulations to Vijay, noting that the results mirror the 'evolving aspirations' of Tamil Nadu's voters.
He remarked that TVK's rise adds a new layer to the state's political landscape and expressed hope that Vijay would fulfill public expectations with dedication.
On the other hand, AIADMK general secretary and former Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami appeared poised for a significant personal victory.
Running from Edappadi, he was leading by 65,656 votes after 17 of 25 counting rounds, suggesting a landslide win.
With the Chief Minister's defeat and TVK's impressive performance, the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election is poised to be a transformative event, potentially ending decades of bipolar dominance in the region.