Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has already etched its name in Tamil Nadu’s political history by achieving what no other party in the state has done before—getting to the helm within just two years of forming the party. AIADMK founder MG Ramachandran took 5 years after launching his party in 1972 before becoming chief minister in 1977, and that too after spending nearly two decades building political experience within the DMK.

Since 1967, Tamil Nadu politics has a two-party story, with the DMK and AIADMK alternating in power and shaping what is often described as the “Dravidian heartland.” TVK’s emergence has disrupted this in a dramatic fashion.

Riding on its stunning performance, TVK is reportedly planning for a possible alliance, according to sources. The party’s victory has altered political calculations in the state.

Latest trends show the TVK is leading with 105 seats in the 234-member assembly, well ahead of the DMK at 71, while the AIADMK trails at 57.