According to the latest 2026 pre-poll survey conducted by #IPDS, the political landscape in tamil Nadu is likely to continue favoring the ruling DMK alliance, which is projected to retain power with a comfortable lead. The survey suggests that chief minister M.K. Stalin’s leadership and the alliance's welfare schemes, especially targeted at women and youth, continue to resonate with a significant section of the electorate. The DMK’s strong grassroots network and strategic alliance with parties like congress and Left have further strengthened its position as the frontrunner for the 2026 state assembly elections.

Coming in second, the AIADMK alliance appears to have stabilized after years of internal factionalism and leadership crises. With Edappadi K. Palaniswami consolidating his position, the party has managed to retain its core voter base, particularly in Western tamil Nadu and parts of the southern region. Though not in a position to form the government on its own according to the survey, the AIADMK-led bloc is expected to give tough competition in several constituencies. Their performance, however, may heavily depend on the strength of their alliances, especially with bjp and other regional players.

A significant insight from the #IPDS survey is the rise of TVK (Tamizhaga Vettri Kazhagam), founded by actor-turned-politician Vijay. TVK is projected to secure 12% to 18% of the vote share, depending on how other parties align ahead of the polls. This figure, while not enough to form a government, is notable for a relatively new entrant and could disrupt traditional vote banks of both major Dravidian parties. The survey indicates that TVK is particularly popular among first-time voters and the youth, who are drawn to Vijay’s clean image and promise of alternative governance. If the party plays its cards right and forms strategic tie-ups, it could emerge as a key player in shaping the 2026 electoral outcome.

Find out more: