The second part of the Dinamalar-Chanakyaa opinion poll, conducted across Tamil Nadu in January 2026, reveals shifting political sentiments ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. The survey covered 3,821 respondents across all regions of the state, from Kanyakumari to Tiruvallur, ensuring constituency-level representation without regional exclusions.
DMK Government Performance: Mixed Verdict
When respondents were asked whether the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government had fulfilled its election promises:
- 16% said the government had fulfilled 100% of its promises.
- 32% said the government had fulfilled none of its promises.
- 52% said the government had fulfilled promises partially.
The survey noted visible dissatisfaction even among voters who supported DMK in the 2024 elections, indicating a perceptible shift in voter mood since then.
Corruption Perception Under DMK
On whether corruption has increased under the DMK government:
- 51% of respondents said corruption has increased.
- 16% said corruption does not exist at all.
- 33% offered neutral responses, stating corruption exists everywhere or expressing uncertainty.
ED, IT, and CBI Actions
On whether enforcement actions against DMK leaders by central agencies were politically motivated:
- 41% said the actions were justified.
- 28% said they were acts of political vendetta by the BJP.
- 31% had no opinion.
Public View On Vijay’s Political Entry
The survey assessed public perception of actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam:
- 24% said Vijay’s political performance was entirely positive.
- 34% felt his appeal was limited to cinema glamour rather than political leadership.
- 42% said it was too early to form an opinion.
Notably, Vijay did not contest the 2024 Parliamentary elections, indicating that his current support base comprises new voters.
Alliance Preference for Vijay
When asked what political stand Vijay should take:
- 58% said he should contest alone.
- 30% favoured an alliance with the AIADMK-BJP combine.
- 12% supported an alliance with the Congress.
The survey also suggested that voters do not expect Vijay and NTK leader Seeman to align in the upcoming election.
Best Opposition Party
Respondents identified the most effective opposition party as:
- All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam – 51%
- TVK – 22%
- Bharatiya Janata Party – 14%
- Naam Tamilar Katchi – 13%
The survey clarified that this does not directly translate to vote share, as even DMK supporters identified AIADMK as the strongest opposition.
Best Opposition Leader
On leadership preferences:
- Edappadi K. Palaniswami – 52%
- Vijay – 21%
- Seeman – 13%
- Nainar Nagendran – 8%
Interestingly, TVK’s party approval rating marginally exceeded Vijay’s personal leadership rating.
Preferred Chief Ministerial Candidate
When asked who respondents preferred as Chief Minister:
- Edappadi K. Palaniswami – 33%
- M. K. Stalin – 27%
- Vijay – 24%
- Seeman – 9%
If Elections Were Held Today
On the question of which alliance would win if elections were held immediately:
- AIADMK-BJP alliance – 38%
- DMK alliance – 33%
- TVK – 22%
- NTK – 7%
The survey was conducted shortly after Pongal, reflecting recent public sentiment.
The Dinamalar–Chanakyaa survey indicates a competitive three-cornered political landscape in Tamil Nadu, with the AIADMK-BJP alliance holding a narrow lead, DMK trailing closely, and TVK emerging as a significant third force. The final electoral outcome, however, will depend on evolving alliances, campaign strategies, and voter mobilisation as the 2026 Assembly elections approach.
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