Tamil Nadu assembly elections 2026: Key constituencies and star candidates to watch

Chennai: With the Election Commission scheduling single-phase voting for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu on April 23, political focus has shifted to key constituencies and star candidates shaping the electoral battle.

Kolathur in Chennai remains one of the most high-profile constituencies in the state. Represented by Chief Minister and DMK President MK Stalin since 2011, the seat often sees attention due to welfare project launches. Stalin is widely expected to retain the constituency, which continues to serve as a DMK bastion.

Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni: Udhayanidhi Stalin’s seat

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin is set to contest again from Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, another prominent Chennai segment. With Chennai historically favouring DMK, both Kolathur and Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni are seen as critical for the party’s urban stronghold.

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Edappadi: AIADMK’s Kongu belt base

In Salem district, Edappadi remains AIADMK chief and Leader of Opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami’s stronghold. Following internal consolidation within the party and O Panneerselvam joining the DMK fold, Palaniswami is expected to contest again from his home constituency. Edappadi is a key segment in the western Kongu region, a traditional AIADMK bastion.

Actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay, founder of the Tamil Vikatan Katchi (TVK), continues to hold strong appeal among young and first-time voters. His constituency choice is eagerly debated, with speculation over segments in North Chennai or those beginning with the letter “V.”

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NTK and Seeman

Tamil nationalist leader Seeman, coordinator of the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK), has announced candidates for all 234 seats and will contest from Karaikudi in Sivaganga district. NTK remains independent, maintaining its stand without aligning with other major parties.

AIPTMMK and BJP leaders

Late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s confidante VK Sasikala, heading the AIPTMMK, is expected by supporters to contest from southern Tamil Nadu or Thanjavur. BJP state chief Nainar Nagenthran is likely to contest again from Tirunelveli.

Sitting MLAs retaining seats

AIADMK veterans S P Velumani (Thondamuthur) and P Thangamani (Kumarapalayam), along with DMK stalwarts such as Thangam Thenarasu (Tiruchuli), KN Nehru (Tiruchy-West), EV Velu (Tiruvannamalai), Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi (Tiruverumbur), and S Muthusamy (Erode-West) are expected to retain their constituencies.

TTV Dhinakaran and O Panneerselvam

AMMK founder TTV Dhinakaran, now allied with the NDA, has announced he will not contest this election. Meanwhile, supporters of former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who recently joined DMK, suggest he may be given a prominent role, such as the Speaker, should his new party emerge victorious.

With high-profile candidates and strategic constituencies in play, the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections promise an intense political contest, with star power and local dynamics shaping voter sentiment across the state.