Tamil Nadu elections: DMK 'most trusted' despite strong anti-incumbency, survey shows TVK emerging as third force

MK Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. (File: PTI)

The ruling DMK and its alliance partners in Tamil Nadu have emerged the "most trusted" when it comes to the development and well-being of the people despite a strong wave of anti-incumbency, a new survey has shown.

According to the Vote Vibe Survey for Tamil Nadu elections slated to be held in 2026, as many as 41% of the respondents showed high to very high anti-incumbency against the DMK government as compared to 31% expressing high to very high pro-incumbency.

The survey further showed that a staggering 61% of the respondents were considering to replace their current MLA, indicating a high level of local anti-incumbency that may lead to several sitting MLAs across party lines being denied tickets.

While the DMK-led alliance leads when it comes to the question of whom the people trust for the development of the state with 37% respondents voting in their favour, the AIADMK-BJP alliance follows closely at second spot with 32% respondents voting for them.

The TVK, led by actor and politician Vijay, is fast emerging as a third option with the survey showing 12% of the respondents placing their trust in the party launched in February and registered only in September 2024.

While the DMK government may appear to be ahead for now, there is a positive sentiment when it comes to the AIADMK-BJP alliance in the state. As per the survey, around 42% saw the alliance's potential as positive while 35% saw it as 'poor'.

The polarised view shows how critical the AIADMK-BJP alliance dynamics would play a crucial role in the 2026 polls. Both parties still do not appear to be on the same page as far as their alliance is concerned.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah maintains that BJP would be part of the government if the alliance were to win the elections, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said Sunday that his party would secure a majority on its own.

Women safety topped the voters' minds in terms of the biggest issues that could impact the next elections with 14% of the respondents placing it on top priority. Corruption was placed at second spot with 13% respondents seeing it as the biggest poll issue.

Emotive issues like the NEET abolishment (11%), Hindi as third language (7%), Tamil pride (6%) and delimitation (5%) also finding resonance with voters.

Elections in Tamil Nadu are slated to be held in March-April next year. The DMK-led alliance won majority with 159 seats in the 234-member Assembly. The AIADMK-led alliance, on the other hand, was restricted to 75 seats, 61 lower than its tally in the previous elections.