Party completes seat-sharing and shifts focus to statewide campaign ahead of April 23 polls
Chennai, March 28: The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has unveiled its complete list of candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, signalling the transition from preparation to active campaigning. Chief Minister M. K. Stalin released the final list as the state prepares for polling on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
The DMK will contest 164 out of the total 234 constituencies, while the remaining 70 seats have been allocated to its alliance partners as part of a broader coalition arrangement. The announcement marks the conclusion of seat-sharing negotiations and sets the stage for coordinated efforts across the alliance in the run-up to the elections.
Reaffirming his political base, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin will once again contest from Kolathur, while Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been fielded from Chepauk–Triplicane. The party has largely opted for continuity by retaining several senior ministers and prominent leaders in their existing constituencies, reflecting a strategy aimed at leveraging established voter support. Leaders such as Duraimurugan, P. K. Sekar Babu, E. V. Velu, K. N. Nehru, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, Raja Kannappan, Anitha Radhakrishnan, Geetha Jeevan, Masthan, and Senthil Balaji are among those seeking re-election.
In a notable political development, former Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, who is now aligned with the DMK, has been nominated from Bodinayakanur, a constituency closely associated with his political career. Meanwhile, as part of alliance adjustments, the Padmanabhapuram seat has been allotted to the Congress, replacing sitting minister Mano Thangaraj.
The 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election is expected to be a closely contested and multi-cornered battle. The DMK-led alliance will face competition from the AIADMK-aligned National Democratic Alliance, actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, and Naam Tamilar Katchi, making the electoral landscape more complex than in previous cycles.
The release of the candidate list is a critical step in the electoral process, reflecting the party’s strategic choices in balancing continuity, leadership presence, and alliance commitments. With nominations finalised, the DMK is now expected to intensify its campaign across the state, focusing on voter outreach and consolidating support ahead of polling day.
Input & Images : Hindusthan Samachar
Edited by Madhusudhan Reddy
Last Updated on: Saturday, March 28, 2026 8:08 pm by Madhusudhan Reddy | Published by: Madhusudhan Reddy on Saturday, March 28, 2026 8:08 pm | News Categories: Politics, India