With the Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections 2026 officially scheduled for April 23, 2026, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has finalized its battle plan. Under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) is aiming for a consecutive second term with a reshuffled lineup of veterans and fresh faces.
In this election, the DMK is contesting 175 seats under its own “Rising Sun” symbol, while the remaining seats have been distributed among its key allies, including Congress, VCK, and the newly joined DMDK.
DMK 2026: Key Candidate Highlights
The DMK list is a strategic mix of cabinet ministers and grassroots workers. Here are the most watched candidates for the 2026 polls:
- M.K. Stalin (Kolathur): The Chief Minister remains in his “Model Constituency” of Kolathur, seeking a fourth consecutive win.
- Udhayanidhi Stalin (Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni): The Deputy CM continues his journey from the heart of Chennai.
- O. Panneerselvam (Bodinayakanur): In a historic political shift, the former CM is contesting as a key face within the DMK-led front.
- Duraimurugan (Katpadi): The party veteran and General Secretary remains the choice for Katpadi.
- V. Senthil Balaji (Karur): After a high-profile legal battle, he returns to the field in a high-stakes contest.
DMK Alliance (SPA) Seat Sharing Summary
To accommodate its allies, the DMK has slightly adjusted its seat count for 2026. The final breakdown is as follows:
| Party Name | Seats | Election Symbol |
| DMK (Including Minor Allies) | 175 | Rising Sun |
| Indian National Congress (INC) | 28 | Hand |
| Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) | 10 | Murasu |
| Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) | 8 | Pot / Own Symbol |
| CPI / CPI(M) | 10 (5 each) | Sickle & Corn / Hammer & Sickle |
| MDMK | 4 | Rising Sun / Own Symbol |
| IUML / KMDK / MMK | 6 (2 each) | Rising Sun |
DMK Candidate List 2026: Constituency-Wise (First List)
Below is the official list of candidates for the major battleground constituencies:
Download DMK Candidate List 2026 PDF
For voters and party workers, the complete constituency-wise list for all 234 seats (including allies) is available for download. This document contains candidate names, age, and local party designations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many seats is DMK contesting in 2026?
The DMK is contesting in 175 seats under the “Rising Sun” symbol, which includes seats for some smaller alliance partners.
2. Where is MK Stalin contesting from?
Chief Minister MK Stalin is contesting from the Kolathur constituency in North Chennai.
3. Is Kamal Haasan’s MNM part of the DMK alliance?
Yes, Kamal Haasan’s Makkal Needhi Maiam is part of the SPA. While they are not contesting seats this time, they are actively campaigning for the DMK alliance.
4. What is the election date for Tamil Nadu 2026?
The single-phase voting will take place on April 23, 2026, and results will be announced on May 4, 2026.
