Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 Dates Announced: Voting On April 23, Results On May 4

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with polling in the state set to begin on April 23. The counting of votes will take place on May 4, the same day results for four other states and Puducherry will also be declared.

With the poll panel unveiling the election timetable for Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect, putting restrictions on fresh announcements and election-related inducements by political parties and governments.

Model Code Of Conduct Comes Into Effect In Tamil Nadu

With the formal announcement of the election schedule, the Model Code of Conduct is now in force in Tamil Nadu, meaning no political party or government can make fresh promises, policy announcements, or launch schemes aimed at influencing voters.

The Election Commission will now closely monitor all poll-related administrative decisions, campaign activities and government actions in the state to ensure a level playing field during the election period.

Tamil Nadu Set For Key Southern Battle From April 23

Tamil Nadu remains one of the most politically significant states in this election cycle, with polling set to begin on April 23.

The state is expected to witness a closely watched contest as regional powerhouses and national allies lock horns in a battle that could reshape the political landscape in the South. As in previous elections, Tamil Nadu is expected to remain a major focus because of its alliance equations, leadership narratives and the arrival of a new political player.

DMK Seeks Second Term As Opposition Closes Ranks

The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, is eyeing a second consecutive term in power after returning to office in 2021.

The opposition camp, meanwhile, has seen significant political movement ahead of the election, with the AIADMK and BJP joining hands, setting up a major contest against the ruling DMK-led alliance.

The alliance arithmetic and campaign strategy of both camps are expected to be central to the outcome, especially as Tamil Nadu remains one of the few states where national parties still depend heavily on regional partners.

Vijay's Entry Adds New Twist To Tamil Nadu Contest

One of the biggest talking points in the 2026 Tamil Nadu election is the entry of actor-politician Vijay into active electoral politics through his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

Vijay's arrival has added a fresh layer of unpredictability to the contest, especially among young voters and urban constituencies where his popularity remains high. Political observers will closely watch whether his party emerges as a serious electoral force or reshapes the vote share in key seats.

His presence has already become one of the defining narratives of the Tamil Nadu election cycle, making this one of the most closely followed Assembly contests in the state in recent years.

ECI Announces Schedule For Other Poll-Bound States Too

Alongside Tamil Nadu, the Election Commission has also announced election schedules for West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

While polling in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will begin on April 23, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry will vote from April 9. The counting of votes for all five elections will be held on May 4.

With the schedule now out, political parties are expected to intensify campaigning across Tamil Nadu as the state heads into a crucial electoral battle.