The competition is once more between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and its allies, against the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and its partners. Also in the race are the Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) and the Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).
Exit poll results for the state will be revealed after the conclusion of polling for the second phase of the West Bengal elections on April 29.
2021: Exit polls closely aligned with results
During the 2021 Assembly elections, polling in Tamil Nadu was conducted on April 6. Most exit polls indicated that the DMK-led alliance was in the lead, and their forecasts were largely in line with the final results.
The India Today-Axis My India exit poll predicted 175 to 195 seats for the DMK+ alliance and 38 to 54 seats for the AIADMK+ coalition. Today’s Chanakya estimated the DMK+ count to be between 164 and 186 seats, placing AIADMK+ between 46 and 68.
Other estimates, including the Poll of Exit Polls and Jan Ki Baat/CNX, also indicated a strong lead for the DMK alliance.
Upon result declaration, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance secured 159 seats, with the DMK alone winning 133 constituencies. The AIADMK-led alliance concluded with 75 seats, including 66 for the AIADMK. This outcome ended a 10-year rule by the AIADMK, with MK Stalin taking the oath as Chief Minister.
2016: Exit polls failed to predict accurately
In 2016, there was a significant discrepancy between exit polls and actual results. Most agencies anticipated a win for the DMK-led alliance, but the final results favored the AIADMK.
The India Today-Axis exit poll predicted 124 to 140 seats for the DMK+ alliance and around 99 seats for the AIADMK. ABP News estimated 132 seats for DMK+, while NewsX-Chanakya provided a figure of approximately 140 seats for the alliance. News Nation forecasted 114 to 118 seats for DMK+ and 95 to 99 for the AIADMK.
However, when results were announced, the AIADMK won 136 seats, while the DMK+ alliance garnered 89 seats.
The counting of votes for Tamil Nadu, along with West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, is set for May 4.
