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Chennai: Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections 2026 have resulted in a hung verdict with no party or co-alliance securing the 118 needed to secure a majority. Actor-turned-politician Vijaya Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) became the single largest party with 108 seats, but it was 10 short of the majority of 165 seats.

An alliance led by the ruling DMK party controlled about 73 seats, and an AIADMK alliance controlled about 53 seats. This fractured mandate has caused lots of speculation on the possible post-poll alliances and horse-trading as parties seek to notch up claims to form government.

Political observers opine that TVK, despite its impressive debut, will probably require propping up by smaller parties or independents to form the next government. In the meantime, both DMK and AIADMK camps are evaluating their choices in the face of the fluid situation.

Its occurrence signified a significant change in the political scene in Tamil Nadu, both in ending the bipolar domination in the state and also in marking a new era in the politics in the state, which is that of coalition politics. The eyes are now turning against the governor and the backroom deals, which will see who will become the next chief minister of the state.