All roads lead to 2026 for Stalin, Udhaya, EPS and Vijay
Leading the list is Chief Minister M. K. Stalin who has been highlighting his government’s achievements and has expressed confidence that his DMK-led front will be re-elected in 2026.
2026 is set to be a defining year for four key politicians in the state with elections to Tamil Nadu Assembly scheduled to be held in April. Leading the list is Chief Minister M. K. Stalin who has been highlighting his government’s achievements and has expressed confidence that his DMK-led front will be re-elected in 2026.
By leveraging its performance and expanding party base through mass membership drives and grassroots outreach, the ruling DMK aims at securing another term despite opposition challenges. The DMK government has been showcasing its work over the last four years to counter criticisms and win public support. It has been capitalizing on victories and positive public perception from the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Second on the list is Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi who has urged party cadres to work intensively to ensure the DMK-led alliance secures victory and forms the government again in Tamil Nadu. Udhayanidhi has specifically set an ambitious target of winning over 200 of the 234 assembly seats for the DMK front. He is hopeful of achieving the magic number based on the current government's performance and public outreach. He is likely to play a key role in the DMK's campaign strategy to counter political opponents including Vijay. He wants to create a ‘Dravidian model 2.0 regime’ under the leadership of his father and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.
The DMK is likely to play a two-track game: retaining Stalin as its senior statesman while pitching Udhayanidhi Stalin against Vijay Beyond politics, a significant personal expectation in 2026 is related to his ongoing legal case. The Supreme Court next year will hear Udhayanidhi's plea to consolidate all FIRs and complaints filed in various states on his controversial ‘eradicate Sanatan Dharma’ remarks and transfer them to a single place.
Meanwhile, AIADMK general secretary and leader of Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami is in full campaign mode, working to consolidate his party's position. He is striving to build a strong alliance to challenge the DMK in the upcoming 2026 polls even while fending off internal and external political rivals. Seat-sharing discussions for the 2026 elections have already begun with Union minister Piyush Goyal holding talks with Palaniswami. He has stated that all like-minded parties are welcome to join the AIADMK-led alliance.
Last but not the least is TVK leader Vijay who is actively holding public rallies and meetings across the state, positioning TVK as a 'pure force' and the main alternative to the ruling DMK, which he has called an 'evil force' and a 'political adversary'. Though Vijay has stated he will contest all 234 seats alone, focusing on social justice, secularism and the welfare of people, political equations may change. His highly anticipated film Jana Nayagan expected to be his last as an actor, is set for January release. A demanding political journey lies ahead for Vijay as he not only wants to translate his massive fan base into electoral success, but also challenge the Dravidian political landscape in Tamil Nadu. As election year approaches with a fierce ballot battle expected, voters are preparing to make their call.
