Chennai: Tamil Nadu politics has entered a new phase as the state witnessed a dramatic electoral outcome, with DMK leader and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin resigning after a major setback in the Assembly elections, while actor Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerged as the single largest party, marking a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.
The election results came as a shock to the DMK camp as the ruling alliance failed to secure the expected number of seats, and Stalin himself suffered a stunning defeat in his stronghold Kolathur constituency. Following the outcome, Stalin submitted his resignation letter to the Governor, becoming the fourth Chief Minister in Tamil Nadu history to lose an Assembly election while in office, a development that has left the party leadership and cadre deeply disappointed.
On the other hand, TVK registered a sweeping performance with 108 seats, falling short of the majority mark but still emerging as the largest party in the Assembly. In a high-profile contest, TVK candidate V.S. Babu defeated Stalin in Kolathur, earning the tag of “giant killer.” Babu, a former associate of Stalin who had left DMK following differences, turned the tables in a closely watched political battle.
Following the victory, TVK chief Vijay convened a meeting with newly elected MLAs at the party headquarters in Panaiyur, where he congratulated them and discussed strategies to secure the required 118-seat majority for government formation. Reports suggest that discussions are underway with several MLAs from AIADMK and Congress, who are said to be in contact with the party, as Vijay intensifies efforts to form the government.
Meanwhile, Stalin, in a post on social media platform X, accepted the public mandate, stating that the verdict would be respected and expressing gratitude to voters, both supporters and opponents. Political analysts attribute the DMK’s defeat to factors such as strong youth support for Vijay, anti-incumbency against the ruling government, and strategic candidate selection by TVK, while the state now awaits further political developments in a hung Assembly scenario.