Tamil Nadu Polls: How DMK & AIADMK Performed In 2021 Elections? Check District Wise Performance

The 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections revealed a decisive advantage for the DMK-led alliance across most districts, with sweeping victories in urban centres, delta regions, and several interior belts. However, the AIADMK-led alliance retained influence in select western and northern districts, highlighting a geographically uneven mandate.

In the northern and urban belt, the DMK alliance was virtually unchallenged. Chennai stood out as a complete sweep, with the alliance winning all 16 constituencies-15 secured by the DMK and one by the Congress. The dominance extended to neighbouring districts such as Tiruvallur (10/10), Kancheepuram (4/4), and Ranipet (4/4), all of which recorded clean sweeps for the DMK alliance. Chengalpattu (6 out of 7) and Vellore (4 out of 5) also strongly favoured the alliance, underlining its firm grip over the urban-industrial corridor.

Further inland, the DMK alliance maintained its edge across much of the northern hinterland. Tirupattur (4/4) and Tiruvannamalai (6/8) delivered comfortable margins, while Cuddalore (7/9) and Villupuram (4/7) reinforced the party's steady presence. Kallakurichi, however, saw a balanced contest, with both alliances winning two seats each.

In contrast, the AIADMK alliance showcased resilience in the western belt. Dharmapuri delivered a clean sweep (5/5) for the AIADMK alliance, while Salem emerged as its strongest bastion, where it secured 10 out of 11 constituencies. The party also performed well in Erode (5/8) and Tiruppur (5/8), and shared space competitively in Krishnagiri (3-3 split). These results highlighted the AIADMK's continued hold over the Kongu region.

Despite this, the DMK alliance made notable inroads in the west as well. Coimbatore was a standout exception, where the DMK alliance swept all 10 constituencies. Karur (4/4) also recorded a clean sweep, and Namakkal (4/6) tilted in its favour, indicating cracks in AIADMK's traditional strongholds.

The central districts delivered some of the most emphatic results for the DMK alliance. Tiruchirappalli (9/9), Perambalur (2/2), and Ariyalur (2/2) all witnessed complete sweeps. This dominance extended into the Cauvery delta, where the DMK alliance performed overwhelmingly well-Thanjavur (7/8), Tiruvarur (3/4), Nagapattinam (2/3), and Mayiladuthurai (3/3) all favoured the alliance, reflecting strong support in agrarian regions.

In the southern districts, the DMK alliance again held a clear upper hand, though with some competitive pockets. Madurai was evenly split (5-5), indicating a closely fought contest. However, districts like Ramanathapuram (4/4), Virudhunagar (6/7), and Thoothukudi (5/6) delivered decisive victories for the alliance. Sivaganga (3/4), Theni (3/4), and Dindigul (4/7) also leaned towards the DMK.

Further south, Tenkasi (3/5) and Tirunelveli (3/5) showed moderate margins in favour of the DMK alliance, suggesting competitive but favourable terrain.

Overall, the results underline a broad-based mandate for the DMK alliance, cutting across urban, rural, and delta regions. The AIADMK alliance, while significantly behind in seat share, retained influence in the western belt and a few northern pockets. The electoral map thus reflects both a decisive shift in power and enduring regional political loyalties.