A dramatic election dispute has erupted in Tamil Nadu after a TVK candidate won by just one vote, triggering legal challenges and allegations of postal ballot mix-ups.

The Madras High Court has now restrained the elected MLA from voting in the assembly floor test, amid concerns over possible errors in postal vote allocation between Tiruppattur constituencies.

The razor-thin margin has intensified political tensions, with the DMK claiming that if one disputed vote is counted differently, the result could even lead to a tie — potentially decided by a coin toss.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Defeated DMK Leader Alleges Postal Ballot Mix-Up

Tamil Nadu on Thursday (Apr 23) is set to witness a pivotal electoral battle. For decades, the state has operated as a two-party system, with the DMK and AIADMK periodically trading power. On Thursday, the Southern Indian state would vote across all 234 constituencies, with a third party in the fray. Over 5.67 crore voters will go to the booths from 7 AM to 6 PM to decide whether Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK extends its rule, whether AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami stages a comeback, or whether actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam hits a political googly.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-polls-eps-attacks-stalin-for-black-shirt-drama-over-delimitation-1776401928527">Tamil Nadu polls: EPS attacks Stalin for "black shirt drama" over Delimitation</a><h2>Over 1 lakh police personnel deployed</h2>According to ANI, 120,000 police personnel and 340,000 government staff have been deployed for the vital elections. Voting will take place at 62 counting centres, with the verdict set to be announced on May 4.<h2>Dravidian Model vs one-family rule</h2>CM Stalin has run a campaign built around the "Dravidian Model" of governance and framed the choice as "Delhi vs Tamil Nadu" to challenge the AIADMK-BJP alliance. With his "Dravidian Model 2.0," he seeks a renewed mandate to advance the state's developmental agenda further. He has the backing of Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, who in recent days has described the AIADMK as "puppets" of the BJP. The DMK is contesting 164 of 234 seats, with Congress taking 28 more in the alliance.Palaniswami, meanwhile, is running on a 297-promise manifesto and the argument that only the AIADMK-BJP combine can end what he calls "one-family rule". The dynastic framing has become the alliance's central line of attack, with PM Narendra Modi himself accusing Stalin of grooming his son Udhayanidhi, currently Deputy CM, as his successor. The AIADMK is contesting 169 seats, the BJP 27.Then there's Vijay. The TVK is contesting every single seat. Vijay himself is standing from two constituencies: Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/alleged-100cr-mismatch-in-vijay-s-poll-affidavits-court-demands-response-1776704690045">Alleged ₹100cr mismatch in Vijay's poll affidavits: Court demands response</a><h2>Key seats</h2>Stalin is contesting from Kolthur, where TVK's VS Babu and AIADMK's candidate are pushing hard. Udhayanidhi is defending Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, a DMK stronghold. Palaniswami is seeking a sixth term from his home constituency of Edappadi in Salem. One notable absence in this polling battle is K Annamalai, the BJP's Tamil Nadu chief, who was widely expected to lead the saffron charge but is not on the candidate list.In 2021, the DMK won 133 seats, the AIADMK 66. The question is whether those numbers hold, shift, or get blown apart entirely by a man better known for his films than his politics.

Is Tamil Nadu heading for a three-way political shake-up? Voters across 234 seats will today decide if M K Stalin retains power, Edappadi K Palaniswami returns, or actor Vijay disrupts the race.

Who has the edge?

Scroll down to read more.

Tamil Nadu on Thursday (Apr 23) is set to witness a pivotal electoral battle. For decades, the state has operated as a two-party system, with the DMK and AIADMK periodically trading power. On Thursday, the Southern Indian state would vote across all 234 constituencies, with a third party in the fray. Over 5.67 crore voters will go to the booths from 7 AM to 6 PM to decide whether Chief Minister MK Stalin's DMK extends its rule, whether AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami stages a comeback, or whether actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam hits a political googly. Also read | Tamil Nadu polls: EPS attacks Stalin for "black shirt drama" over Delimitation Over 1 lakh police personnel deployed According to ANI, 120,000 police personnel and 340,000 government staff have been deployed for the vital elections. Voting will take place at 62 counting centres, with the verdict set to be announced on May 4. Dravidian Model vs one-family rule CM Stalin has run a campaign built around the "Dravidian Model" of governance and framed the choice as "Delhi vs Tamil Nadu" to challenge the AIADMK-BJP alliance. With his "Dravidian Model 2.0," he seeks a renewed mandate to advance the state's developmental agenda further. He has the backing of Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, who in recent days has described the AIADMK as "puppets" of the BJP. The DMK is contesting 164 of 234 seats, with Congress taking 28 more in the alliance. Palaniswami, meanwhile, is running on a 297-promise manifesto and the argument that only the AIADMK-BJP combine can end what he calls "one-family rule". The dynastic framing has become the alliance's central line of attack, with PM Narendra Modi himself accusing Stalin of grooming his son Udhayanidhi, currently Deputy CM, as his successor. The AIADMK is contesting 169 seats, the BJP 27. Then there's Vijay. The TVK is contesting every single seat. Vijay himself is standing from two constituencies: Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur. Also read | Alleged ₹100cr mismatch in Vijay's poll affidavits: Court demands response Key seats Stalin is contesting from Kolthur, where TVK's VS Babu and AIADMK's candidate are pushing hard. Udhayanidhi is defending Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, a DMK stronghold. Palaniswami is seeking a sixth term from his home constituency of Edappadi in Salem. One notable absence in this polling battle is K Annamalai, the BJP's Tamil Nadu chief, who was widely expected to lead the saffron charge but is not on the candidate list. In 2021, the DMK won 133 seats, the AIADMK 66. The question is whether those numbers hold, shift, or get blown apart entirely by a man better known for his films than his politics.

Is Tamil Nadu heading for a three-way political shake-up? Voters across 234 seats will today decide if M K Stalin retains power, Edappadi K Palaniswami returns, or actor Vijay disrupts the race.Who has the edge?Scroll down to read more.

Stalin vs Palaniswami vs Vijay: Tamil Nadu's most unpredictable election in decades begins today

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Sunday (April 12) sought a fresh mandate for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, pitching a “Dravidian Model 2.0” government to take the state to the next level of development.&nbsp;Addressing an election rally in Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, Stalin campaigned for candidates from Ramanathapuram, Mudukulathur, Paramakudi and Thiruvadana constituencies. He highlighted past development works and said his government had resolved long-standing drinking water issues in the region.’&nbsp;Seeking voter support, Stalin said the DMK government had delivered welfare and development schemes across the state. “We asked for votes last time with pride… I have come to ask for votes again with that feeling. To take Tamil Nadu to the next level, a Dravidian Model 2.0 government should be formed,” he said.&nbsp;He asserted that the DMK government had taken the state to new heights and was implementing pioneering schemes for the people.&nbsp;Stalin also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, warning against the “double engine” model. “If the BJP enters Tamil Nadu… the state will be in danger. The BJP and its slave AIADMK should be driven out completely,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-threatens-china-with-50-tariff-over-iran-support-warns-tehran-of-devastation-1776013227558">Trump threatens China with 50% tariff over Iran support, warns Tehran of ‘devastation’</a>&nbsp;Calling the DMK manifesto the “superstar” of the campaign, he compared the electoral contest to a cricket match, saying the DMK alliance would defeat “Delhi” just as a Tamil Nadu team recently won an IPL game.&nbsp;"People tell me whether Tamil Nadu or Delhi will win this election. Just as the Tamil Nadu team defeated Delhi in the IPL cricket match held yesterday, the DMK alliance will defeat Delhi in this assembly election. This is what the people should decide. It should be proven at every polling booth on April 23," he added. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting on May 4. The main contest is between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to debut with his party, potentially making it a three-cornered contest.

Calling the DMK manifesto the “superstar” of the campaign, he compared the electoral contest to a cricket match, saying the DMK alliance would defeat “Delhi” just as a Tamil Nadu team recently won an IPL game.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin on Sunday (April 12) sought a fresh mandate for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, pitching a “Dravidian Model 2.0” government to take the state to the next level of development. Addressing an election rally in Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, Stalin campaigned for candidates from Ramanathapuram, Mudukulathur, Paramakudi and Thiruvadana constituencies. He highlighted past development works and said his government had resolved long-standing drinking water issues in the region.’ Seeking voter support, Stalin said the DMK government had delivered welfare and development schemes across the state. “We asked for votes last time with pride… I have come to ask for votes again with that feeling. To take Tamil Nadu to the next level, a Dravidian Model 2.0 government should be formed,” he said. He asserted that the DMK government had taken the state to new heights and was implementing pioneering schemes for the people. Stalin also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, warning against the “double engine” model. “If the BJP enters Tamil Nadu… the state will be in danger. The BJP and its slave AIADMK should be driven out completely,” he said. Also Read: Trump threatens China with 50% tariff over Iran support, warns Tehran of ‘devastation’ Calling the DMK manifesto the “superstar” of the campaign, he compared the electoral contest to a cricket match, saying the DMK alliance would defeat “Delhi” just as a Tamil Nadu team recently won an IPL game. "People tell me whether Tamil Nadu or Delhi will win this election. Just as the Tamil Nadu team defeated Delhi in the IPL cricket match held yesterday, the DMK alliance will defeat Delhi in this assembly election. This is what the people should decide. It should be proven at every polling booth on April 23," he added. Tamil Nadu will vote in a single phase on April 23, with counting on May 4. The main contest is between the DMK-led alliance and the AIADMK-led NDA, while actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to debut with his party, potentially making it a three-cornered contest.

Calling the DMK manifesto the “superstar” of the campaign, he compared the electoral contest to a cricket match, saying the DMK alliance would defeat “Delhi” just as a Tamil Nadu team recently won an IPL game.

CM MK Stalin seeks fresh mandate, pitches ‘Dravidian Model 2.0’ in Tamil Nadu

Though the ruling DMK-led front and the opposition AIADMK-BJP front in Tamil Nadu appear to be different entities, they are one and the same. Both DMK(ruling in Tamil Nadu) and BJP(ruling India) are keen to stop the TVK, which wishes to work for public welfare and be with the masses, said actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 23rd. Making his electoral debut, actor-politician Vijay will be taking on the fronts led by the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK. Chief Minister Stalin paid a few crores and got the Congress party to ally with them. However, the true Congress supporters are with us, Vijay claimed. Minority communities are with Vijay, because we(TVK) are truly secular. This has angered the BJP and DMK, Vijay claimed at one of his largest campaign events. &nbsp;You have created a situation where they cannot come to power. In the DMK-led front, even the allies won't vote for each other, that's how bad their condition is. In the BJP-AIADMK front, it is even worse, Vijay told his fans and followers. Hitting out at the ruling DMK, Vijay alleged that his campaign event would not have taken place if Chief Minister Stalin had truly been in power. They would have come up with some excuses to prevent this meeting. Right now, he is like a powerless Chief Minister who is running a caretaker government, Vijay said. Citing that established political parties had been placing roadblocks to stall his political journey, Vijay pointed fingers at his political opponents. "Everyone knows about the Karur stampede(where 41 people died in September 2025 at a TVK campaign event). They tried pinning the blame on me, but the people refused to believe them and they continued to be with me... They thought that halting the release of my film 'Jana Nayagan' would disturb me... You know who has done it, but even after that I am continuing my journey. In the name of Standard Operating Procedures, they introduced separate rules and regulations to prevent me from meeting the masses... DMK or BJP cannot separate me from the people," Vijay said. "There is only one Kamaraj, one Annadurai, one MGR... I know you have been yearning for that kind of leadership, that's why we have come into politics," Vijay said, taking the names of Tamil Nadu's popular Chief Ministers. I know the hardships that I had to face during the last 30-33 years to reach your homes and hearts. I started my political party after finding a place in your hearts". Urging supporters to vote for TVK candidates, Vijay stated that his party had not fielded billionaires or industrialists. Instead, we have fielded common people from humble backgrounds. Consider them as your own family and vote for them, Vijay told his supporters.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2026-puducherry-elections-key-constituencies-that-can-change-the-poll-game-1775639346295">2026 Puducherry Elections: Key constituencies that can change the poll game</a>

Chief Minister Stalin paid a few crores and got the Congress party to ally with them. However, the true Congress supporters are with us, Vijay claimed. Minority communities are with Vijay, because we(TVK) are truly secular.

Though the ruling DMK-led front and the opposition AIADMK-BJP front in Tamil Nadu appear to be different entities, they are one and the same. Both DMK(ruling in Tamil Nadu) and BJP(ruling India) are keen to stop the TVK, which wishes to work for public welfare and be with the masses, said actor-politician Vijay in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district. Tamil Nadu goes to the polls on April 23rd. Making his electoral debut, actor-politician Vijay will be taking on the fronts led by the ruling DMK and the Opposition AIADMK. Chief Minister Stalin paid a few crores and got the Congress party to ally with them. However, the true Congress supporters are with us, Vijay claimed. Minority communities are with Vijay, because we(TVK) are truly secular. This has angered the BJP and DMK, Vijay claimed at one of his largest campaign events. You have created a situation where they cannot come to power. In the DMK-led front, even the allies won't vote for each other, that's how bad their condition is. In the BJP-AIADMK front, it is even worse, Vijay told his fans and followers. Hitting out at the ruling DMK, Vijay alleged that his campaign event would not have taken place if Chief Minister Stalin had truly been in power. They would have come up with some excuses to prevent this meeting. Right now, he is like a powerless Chief Minister who is running a caretaker government, Vijay said. Citing that established political parties had been placing roadblocks to stall his political journey, Vijay pointed fingers at his political opponents. "Everyone knows about the Karur stampede(where 41 people died in September 2025 at a TVK campaign event). They tried pinning the blame on me, but the people refused to believe them and they continued to be with me... They thought that halting the release of my film 'Jana Nayagan' would disturb me... You know who has done it, but even after that I am continuing my journey. In the name of Standard Operating Procedures, they introduced separate rules and regulations to prevent me from meeting the masses... DMK or BJP cannot separate me from the people," Vijay said. "There is only one Kamaraj, one Annadurai, one MGR... I know you have been yearning for that kind of leadership, that's why we have come into politics," Vijay said, taking the names of Tamil Nadu's popular Chief Ministers. I know the hardships that I had to face during the last 30-33 years to reach your homes and hearts. I started my political party after finding a place in your hearts". Urging supporters to vote for TVK candidates, Vijay stated that his party had not fielded billionaires or industrialists. Instead, we have fielded common people from humble backgrounds. Consider them as your own family and vote for them, Vijay told his supporters. Also read: 2026 Puducherry Elections: Key constituencies that can change the poll game

Chief Minister Stalin paid a few crores and got the Congress party to ally with them. However, the true Congress supporters are with us, Vijay claimed. Minority communities are with Vijay, because we(TVK) are truly secular.

Tamil Nadu polls: Minorities are with secular TVK, says actor-politician Vijay

VK Sasikala’s sudden announcement to stay away from politics, barely a month after reaching Chennai amid a grand welcome has led to an unexpected twist in Tamil Nadu politics, as this comes in the run-up to the crucial Assembly poll on April 6. On the one hand, while her nephew and AMMK General Secretary TTV Dinakaran has expressed shock and said it would be a setback, the BJP has welcomed the move, via a statement issued by State President Dr. L. Murugan.&nbsp;

The return of the ousted AIADMK General Secretary and late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s aide to Chennai on February 8th, following her incarceration, was keenly watched, owing to the impact it would have on the AIADMK and its allies.

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Aside from the clout she once enjoyed within the party, she also hails from an influential community, which has its strongholds in Southern Tamil Nadu. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam also belongs to the same community.&nbsp;

The nearly 24-hour drive from Bengaluru to Chennai (which usually takes no longer than 6 hours) and the welcome accorded to her along multiple stops on the way, had created the impression of her impending re-entry into the political arena.&nbsp;

Voices from the opposition DMK’s first family were also among those who predicted trouble for the AIADMK, after Sasikala’s release from the Parappana Agrahara prison. While DMK President MK Stalin had hinted about the things falling into place after someone from Bengaluru arrives, his son Udhayanidhi blatantly said that Sasikala would create trouble for the ruling duo EPS and OPS.&nbsp;

Though AIADMK leaders were initially hesitant to comment on Sasikala’s arrival and the scenario that would follow, later Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made it clear that there was absolutely no possibility of her re-induction into the party or a possibility of an alliance. The cadre who put up posters hailing Sasikala and welcoming her were also instantly booted out from the party, in a stern message.&nbsp;

In the first week of February, on her way to Chennai, Sasikala had announced to her supporters, about the willingness to re-unite with the AIADMK and defeat the party’s common enemy. She added that she would dedicate the rest of her life to the AIADMK’s progress. In the same vein, she added a veiled threat which said, while she was a slave before the party’s ideology, people’s love and cadres’ affection, she would not fear oppression.&nbsp;

Since reaching her residence in Chennai, there were no major announcements or public appearances by Sasikala, until February 24th when she garlanded late J Jayalalithaa’s photo at her residence, on the occasion of the four-time chief minister’s birth anniversary. Speaking at that event, she told supporters of her plan to meet the public and her followers in due course.&nbsp;

Over the last few days, amid speculation of the BJP making attempts to get AMMK to join hands with the AIADMK, TTV Dinakaran said that they were open to leading an alliance of like-minded parties. It was on the same evening that Sasikala made this surprise announcement to stay away from politics, despite Dinakaran having requested against it.&nbsp;

“Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) loyalists must ensure that evil force DMK doesn't come to power. MGR-Jayalalithaa’s golden rule must continue in Tamil Nadu, cadre should work together as children of the same mother. I've never aspired for power, post or authority. Staying away from politics, I'll always pray to the almighty and Amma for my sister Amma's golden rule to continue” read her statement.&nbsp;

However, Dinakaran has said that he would speak to party functionaries to take stock of the situation and contest the polls. “Her opinion is her’s, I won’t influence. She only wanted Amma’s children to be together, I tried to convince her for 30 mins… but she didn't agree” he told media. Adding that, the AMMK had received over 1300 nominations from prospective candidates and that the candidates list would be announced on March 10th, followed by the alliance announcement.&nbsp;

BJP’s State President Dr. L. Murugan issued a statement welcoming Sasikala’s decision. Hinting at the DMK he said, “this is a big setback to those who wanted to foment trouble and capture power in Tamil Nadu by any means”.&nbsp;

VK Sasikala’s sudden announcement to stay away from politics, barely a month after reaching Chennai amid a grand welcome has led to an unexpected twist in Tamil Nadu politics, as this comes in the run-up to the crucial Assembly poll on April 6.

VK Sasikala’s sudden announcement to stay away from politics, barely a month after reaching Chennai amid a grand welcome has led to an unexpected twist in Tamil Nadu politics, as this comes in the run-up to the crucial Assembly poll on April 6. On the one hand, while her nephew and AMMK General Secretary TTV Dinakaran has expressed shock and said it would be a setback, the BJP has welcomed the move, via a statement issued by State President Dr. L. Murugan. The return of the ousted AIADMK General Secretary and late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s aide to Chennai on February 8th, following her incarceration, was keenly watched, owing to the impact it would have on the AIADMK and its allies. Also read | Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan gets first dose of Covid vaccine Aside from the clout she once enjoyed within the party, she also hails from an influential community, which has its strongholds in Southern Tamil Nadu. Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam also belongs to the same community. The nearly 24-hour drive from Bengaluru to Chennai (which usually takes no longer than 6 hours) and the welcome accorded to her along multiple stops on the way, had created the impression of her impending re-entry into the political arena. Voices from the opposition DMK’s first family were also among those who predicted trouble for the AIADMK, after Sasikala’s release from the Parappana Agrahara prison. While DMK President MK Stalin had hinted about the things falling into place after someone from Bengaluru arrives, his son Udhayanidhi blatantly said that Sasikala would create trouble for the ruling duo EPS and OPS. Though AIADMK leaders were initially hesitant to comment on Sasikala’s arrival and the scenario that would follow, later Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami made it clear that there was absolutely no possibility of her re-induction into the party or a possibility of an alliance. The cadre who put up posters hailing Sasikala and welcoming her were also instantly booted out from the party, in a stern message. In the first week of February, on her way to Chennai, Sasikala had announced to her supporters, about the willingness to re-unite with the AIADMK and defeat the party’s common enemy. She added that she would dedicate the rest of her life to the AIADMK’s progress. In the same vein, she added a veiled threat which said, while she was a slave before the party’s ideology, people’s love and cadres’ affection, she would not fear oppression. Since reaching her residence in Chennai, there were no major announcements or public appearances by Sasikala, until February 24th when she garlanded late J Jayalalithaa’s photo at her residence, on the occasion of the four-time chief minister’s birth anniversary. Speaking at that event, she told supporters of her plan to meet the public and her followers in due course. Over the last few days, amid speculation of the BJP making attempts to get AMMK to join hands with the AIADMK, TTV Dinakaran said that they were open to leading an alliance of like-minded parties. It was on the same evening that Sasikala made this surprise announcement to stay away from politics, despite Dinakaran having requested against it. “Amma's (Jayalalithaa's) loyalists must ensure that evil force DMK doesn't come to power. MGR-Jayalalithaa’s golden rule must continue in Tamil Nadu, cadre should work together as children of the same mother. I've never aspired for power, post or authority. Staying away from politics, I'll always pray to the almighty and Amma for my sister Amma's golden rule to continue” read her statement. However, Dinakaran has said that he would speak to party functionaries to take stock of the situation and contest the polls. “Her opinion is her’s, I won’t influence. She only wanted Amma’s children to be together, I tried to convince her for 30 mins… but she didn't agree” he told media. Adding that, the AMMK had received over 1300 nominations from prospective candidates and that the candidates list would be announced on March 10th, followed by the alliance announcement. BJP’s State President Dr. L. Murugan issued a statement welcoming Sasikala’s decision. Hinting at the DMK he said, “this is a big setback to those who wanted to foment trouble and capture power in Tamil Nadu by any means”.

Sasikala quits politics; nephew TTV expresses shock, BJP welcomes move