With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections set for 2026, the ruling DMK is proactively gearing up for a challenging political landscape. Chief Minister MK Stalin convened a meeting of constituency observers in Chennai, reflecting his ambition to secure a second consecutive term and a fourth straight electoral victory following significant successes in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2021 Assembly elections.

To streamline election preparations, the DMK has formed an Assembly Election Coordination Committee, featuring key figures such as Udhayanidhi Stalin, who was appointed deputy chief minister last month, alongside senior leaders KN Nehru, Thangam Thennarasu, and EV Velu. The chief minister is also set to review the party's readiness across various districts in the state.

One of the primary catalysts for the DMK's early mobilization is the political emergence of superstar Vijay, who recently launched his party, Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). While the actual impact of TVK remains uncertain, the DMK is not underestimating the potential challenge posed by Vijay, who is entering politics at the peak of his popularity—a factor that differentiates him from past political entrants like Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan.

In response, the DMK’s elevation of Udhayanidhi Stalin is perceived as a strategic move to counteract Vijay's appeal among voters. Additionally, the party faces challenges from coalition partners such as Congress, the VCK led by Tholkappiyan Thirumavalavan, and the Left, who may seek a greater share of power in a potential alliance victory.

The political scenario is further complicated by the AIADMK's recent split from the BJP, positioning it as a potential contender but with diminished attractiveness due to internal divisions and poor recent performance. Meanwhile, the TVK's popularity remains untested, adding to the uncertainty of the electoral landscape.

As the BJP maintains a minimal presence in Tamil Nadu, and other regional parties like the Seeman-led NTK may opt to contest independently, the upcoming elections are likely to be characterized by a five-cornered battle involving the DMK alliance, AIADMK, TVK, and others.