Tamil Nadu Elections 2026: Vijay Files Nomination Same Day as MK Stalin, Sets Up Symbolic Political Face-Off

Actor-turned-politician Vijay chose the same day that M. K. Stalin filed his nomination to submit his own papers, setting up a symbolic political face-off ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Election. The move was widely seen as a strategic signal from Vijay's newly formed party that it intends to directly challenge the ruling alliance in the state.

Vijay, who leads the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), filed his nomination for his maiden Assembly election from two constituencies - Perambur in Chennai and Tiruchi East in Tiruchirappalli. He submitted his papers before the Returning Officer at Dr Ambedkar Government Arts College in Vyasarpadi amid a massive turnout of supporters.

Thousands of TVK cadres, fans and members of the public gathered along the roads leading to the venue hours before Vijay's arrival, turning the nomination day into what party insiders described as a major "show of strength." Senior leaders including General Secretary N Anand and Joint General Secretary CTR Nirmal Kumar accompanied him during the filing process.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Stalin filed his nomination from the Kolathur constituency, which he has represented since 2011. After submitting his papers, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief held a brief roadshow in the constituency, greeting supporters and seeking their backing for another term.

Stalin also released a book highlighting his development work in Kolathur and expressed confidence about the electoral outcome. Speaking to reporters, he said the alliance led by his party was poised for a strong victory.

"Our victory will be very bright. Compared to the last three elections, I am seeing greater support this time. This is the United Progressive Alliance, and Tamil Nadu is fighting against Delhi. The victory will be very big," Stalin said.

The DMK has announced it will contest 164 out of the state's 234 Assembly seats, allocating the remaining 70 to alliance partners. Key allies include the Indian National Congress with 28 seats, the Communist Party of India and Communist Party of India (Marxist) with five seats each, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi with eight seats and the Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam with four seats. Other allies include the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam and the Indian Union Muslim League.

Earlier, addressing party functionaries in Chennai, Vijay framed the election as a contest between his "people's alliance" and the Stalin-led bloc, which he described as a "patch-up alliance." He urged young voters, particularly Gen Z, to support TVK and its 'whistle' symbol in the upcoming polls.

With nominations filed and campaigning intensifying, the Tamil Nadu Assembly election is expected to witness heightened political rivalry, especially with Vijay's entry adding a new dynamic to the state's political landscape.