The Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, held on April 23, 2026, are set to significantly influence the state's political trajectory. The contest is primarily between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), with actor Vijay's Tamil Nadu Thalapathi Katchi (TVK) entering the fray as a formidable challenger. Most exit polls suggest that the DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, will retain the Chief Minister's position, but an unexpected poll by Axis My India indicates that the TVK could disrupt DMK's margins due to Vijay's popularity. This election has been characterized by a focus on linguistic identity and state autonomy, with the DMK promoting its 'Dravidian Model' of governance while the AIADMK criticizes the ruling party over law and order and inflation issues. The election saw a record voter turnout of over 84%, the highest since India's independence. The results will not only determine immediate governance but also the long-term political direction of Tamil Nadu, potentially establishing Vijay as a key player in the state's politics.