Stalin Loses Kolathur as Vijay’s TVK Delivers Stunning Upset in Tamil Nadu

Chennai, May 2026 : In a dramatic political development, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin suffered a shock defeat in the Kolathur Assembly constituency, marking a major setback for the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and signalling a significant shift in the state’s political landscape.

The upset comes amid a sweeping surge by actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which has emerged as a formidable new force in Tamil Nadu politics. TVK candidate V. S. Babu clinched victory in Kolathur with 68,419 votes, defeating Stalin by a margin of 7,731 votes in what is being described as one of the biggest upsets of the election.

Adding to TVK’s remarkable performance, another candidate, Vijay Dhamu, an auto driver by profession, secured a notable win in the Royapuram constituency in North Chennai. He defeated senior All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) leader and former minister D. Jayakumar, along with DMK’s Subair Khan. His victory is widely seen as a powerful symbol of grassroots empowerment and voter demand for change.

As TVK’s surge became evident, congratulatory messages poured in from across political and entertainment circles. Actor Kajal Aggarwal praised Vijay’s “spectacular and resounding victory,” highlighting his strong connection with the public and perseverance in transitioning from cinema to politics.

Meanwhile, Nara Lokesh, a minister from Andhra Pradesh, also congratulated Vijay, stating that the results reflect the evolving aspirations of Tamil Nadu’s electorate. He noted that TVK’s emergence introduces a new dimension to the state’s political dynamics and expressed hope that the party would meet public expectations with responsibility.

Despite the setbacks for DMK, there were strong individual performances elsewhere. Edappadi K. Palaniswami, leader of the AIADMK, appeared headed for a landslide personal victory in his Edappadi constituency, leading by over 65,000 votes after multiple counting rounds.

The defeat of a sitting Chief Minister, combined with the breakthrough performance of a new political party, has turned the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections into a watershed moment. Analysts believe this could signal the end of the long-standing dominance of traditional political rivals in the state.

With TVK’s rise reshaping the political narrative, Tamil Nadu now appears poised for a new era, as voters signal a desire for change and fresh leadership in the state’s governance.