Published Apr 20, 2026 | 3:33 PM ⚊ Updated Apr 20, 2026 | 4:23 PM
Delta, Tiruchirappalli regions in TN.
Synopsis: Voters in Tamil Nadu’s Delta and central regions largely continue to back the DMK, especially women and first-time voters who are influenced by welfare schemes. Farmers remain divided between DMK and AIADMK. At the same time, Vijay’s entry has created noticeable interest across age groups, but many — particularly students — are still weighing options based on ideology rather than voting for him solely as a new face.
In less than 72 hours, the people in Tamil Nadu will be at polling booths across the state to decide who will govern them for the next five years. With the Assembly elections in the state scheduled for 23 April, South First has been travelling across the state to understand the public mood.
According to people in the Delta region and in two key districts of central Tamil Nadu — Tiruvarur and Tiruchirappalli — considered the strongholds of the ruling DMK, support for actor-turned-politician Vijay and his Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has been increasing due to his promise of “change”.
At the same time, although the support base of the long-standing Dravidian party, AIADMK, seems to have declined, the belief that the party, founded by MGR, will continue to do good has not faded among farmers.
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The Delta region is fundamentally an agricultural belt, and districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai form its core. Paddy and various other agricultural products grown there are exported to multiple states and abroad. Agriculture and farmers remain the backbone of this region.
Traditionally, this region has been a stronghold of the DMK and Left parties, consistently delivering electoral victories to them. In the last election as well, these parties secured major wins in both Tiruchirappalli and Tiruvarur. However, questions remain: Will this dominance continue in 2026? What impact will Vijay’s entry have there?
South First met Gopalakrishnan from Tiruvarur while he was transplanting paddy under the scorching sun. According to him, most of the farmers’ demands have been fulfilled by the state government over the past five years.
“We don’t have any major issues. Our demands have been addressed. I will vote for the DMK in Tiruvarur. That government has taken care of us step by step,” he said.
In contrast, another farmer, Senthilkumar, who supports the AIADMK, said, “I have been with Amma’s party since the beginning. So I will vote only for the Two Leaves symbol.”
Another farmer, Velayudham, criticised the DMK government, saying that schemes introduced during Jayalalithaa’s time, like gold for the thaali (nuptial chain) and laptops for students, have been discontinued. He also complained about the poor quality of ration rice, staff shortages in shops, and the lack of kerosene supply.
However, when asked about allegations by opposition parties, from AIADMK to TVK, that bribes are taken in procurement centres, he denied any such corruption, and added, “I have been with AIADMK since MGR’s time. I like both MGR and Jayalalithaa’s rule. I want MGR’s governance back. So I will vote for the Two Leaves.”
When asked about Vijay claiming that he would bring back “MGR-style governance,” he responded, “There’s a difference between the Himalayas and the earth. Vijay cannot even come close to MGR; there shouldn’t be any comparison. MGR did well both on screen and in real life. No one can match him. It will take Vijay many years to succeed.”
Kalyani, a 60-year-old woman agricultural labourer from Kuchipalayam, said, “I have voted for Kalaignar (M Karunanidhi of the DMK) from the beginning. This time too, I will vote for the Rising Sun. Recently, they gave women ₹5,000, and ₹3,000 was given for pongal.”
Other women farmers, Anandavalli and Suchetha, said they would vote for the AIADMK.
“We have always voted for the Two Leaves. We cannot change now,” said Anandavalli.
Meanwhile, Suchetha expressed dissatisfaction with the government, “We depend on agriculture, but for the past two years, we haven’t received crop insurance. We will support whoever fulfils our demands.”
Similar to other parts of Tamil Nadu, several women in the Delta region also said they have benefited from the DMK government’s welfare schemes, especially those focused on women, and hence support the party.
Pappathi (64), from Tiruvarur, said, “From financial assistance to pensions, we receive everything. We have always voted for the DMK and will continue to do so.”
Pushpam (60) said, “We supported AIADMK during MGR’s time, but after that, we shifted to the DMK. Since then, we’ve voted only for the Rising Sun.”
Rani, who runs a roadside shop at the Tiruvarur bus stand, said, “From Kalaignar’s time to now, under MK Stalin, DMK has helped us. Whatever we need, they do for us. So my vote is for DMK.”
Mala, who runs a flower shop near the Tiruvarur temple, said she has supported the DMK since she was 13, “What have other parties done? They come only to ask for votes. DMK has done everything, even getting us land pattas. Vijay has just entered; we can see later. For now, it’s DMK.”
Jyothi from Thiruthuraipoondi appreciated the DMK’s women-centric schemes but said she does not believe the promises of AIADMK (₹2,000) or TVK (₹2,500). “These are not practical. DMK is already doing well. I’ve benefited in many ways, so I vote for DMK,” she said.
However, not all women supported DMK. Abirami, a differently-abled woman auto driver from Tiruvarur, said, “Neither DMK nor AIADMK helped me. Despite completing M.Com, I didn’t get a government job or even a bank loan. This time, I may support Vijay to see what he can do.”
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Much like women, many male voters lean towards DMK, but some support AIADMK, Vijay’s party, or Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK).
Murugaiyan from Thiruthuraipoondi said he would support Edappadi Palaniswami (AIADMK), “He did a lot for farmers. Under the DMK rule, drug abuse has increased among students. There are no job opportunities. If Edappadi returns, things will improve.”
On Vijay making similar promises, he said, “He is new. He has to grow step by step.”
Velmurugan from Tiruvarur supports TVK, “MGR also came from cinema and did well. Vijay can do the same. The two Dravidian parties have ruled enough. Let’s give a new person a chance.”
Shankar from Kudavasal, though a Vijay fan, said he will not vote for him, “His promises are similar to Dravidian parties. His fans are just fans, not cadres. I will support Seeman (NTK) for his ideology.”
Selvam from Nagapattinam said Vijay lacks experienced leaders and may need more time, “Now I will vote for DMK. They have done a lot for people.”
With Vijay contesting from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency, all eyes are on Tiruchirappalli, a major and rapidly developing central district.
Prema from Srirangam said, “We trusted Stalin last time, but nothing was done. This time, we may vote for Vijay, but we need to see what he does.”
Saranya Devi from Manachanallur also said she would vote for Vijay, “I don’t like DMK or AIADMK. I like Vijay. I believe he will do something.”
Ashok Kumar from Srirangam, a long-time DMK voter, said he is now confused between DMK and TVK.
Keerthana from Tiruchirappalli East said, “We should vote for whoever delivers. DMK schemes haven’t reached everyone. Youth still lack jobs. Vijay has support mainly from fans. We need to see his performance first.”
Gopinath from Manachanallur said, “I want change. If Vijay does what he promises, that’s enough. I will vote for change.”
Haridhas from Thiruverumbur, a long-time DMK voter, expressed concern about drug abuse, “Students are being affected. Stalin hasn’t controlled it. That worries me.” However, he said his family members may vote for Vijay.
Jaya from Kalpalayam said she will vote for Stalin, “Because of welfare schemes like free travel, I save ₹2,000 a month.”
Murugavel, a former NTK supporter, said he may now vote for Vijay due to the party’s weakening strength.
Trilokachander from Lalgudi said, “Vijay will provide education and jobs for youth. His manifesto was good, so I’ll vote for him.”
Several students, mostly first-time voters, who spoke to South First had clarity about the leaders they intend to choose and a clear understanding of their policies.
Safeela, a first-year student in Tiruchirappalli and a first-time voter, said, “Every party has their issues, but comparatively, the DMK seems to be a somewhat better option.”
Explaining her reasoning, she said, “I liked the way the DMK handled the situation when it assumed power during the Covid period. Compared to the AIADMK government after Jayalalithaa, the DMK government has been much better. So I feel I can vote for that party.”
When asked about Vijay, she responded, “How can we support a party without an ideology? You can’t vote for someone just because he is new, right?”
Another student and first-time voter, Danella Arya, said she would choose the DMK, citing Tamil Nadu’s progress in economic growth, women’s advancement, and development.
When asked about the visible support for Vijay among youth in Tiruchirappalli, she said, “It’s just a star attraction. People want to see the actor they’ve watched on screen in real life. They don’t really understand the consequences of what he might do. Even if he wins, we don’t know what direction Tamil Nadu will take or what he will do; he has no clear ideology.”
When both students were asked about NTK, which is often seen as an ideological party, they said, “That’s true, some of the policies they propose are valid. But they still lack experience. While their ideas may be good, they don’t have a clear blueprint for developing Tamil Nadu.”
PK Vishva, a first-year student from the Tiruchirappalli East constituency where Vijay is contesting, is also a first-time voter. He said, “Many people are frustrated with politics, but that doesn’t mean I will follow an actor. Vijay is entering politics for the first time. For change, I may vote for AIADMK or NTK. I like Seeman’s idea of Tamil nationalism; he works with a clear ideology, so he deserves a chance.”
Similarly, Kalpana, a student from Tiruvarur, said she would choose the DMK based on its policies, “I like the DMK’s policies. Schemes like the ₹1,000 monthly assistance under the Pudhumai Penn scheme genuinely benefit people. That’s why I support the DMK.”
When asked about youth and women supporting Vijay, she firmly said, “No, I’m not interested in that. I don’t like his ideology. I prefer the DMK’s ideology.”
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The Delta region has long been a stronghold of the DMK and Left parties, and that trend continues to reflect in voter sentiment, with many still expressing support for the DMK.
Women, especially students and first-time voters, appear to be strongly influenced by welfare schemes, women-centric initiatives, and policy-driven considerations when choosing a party.
At the same time, unlike some other districts, youngsters are not rallying behind Vijay blindly; instead, they are evaluating multiple parties, including NTK and AIADMK, based on ideology and policy.
On the other hand, farmers remain divided. While some feel the current DMK government’s schemes and performance are sufficient, others believe that Edappadi Palaniswami was a better ally to farmers and can better protect agriculture. This suggests that the farmers’ vote might split between the two major parties.
Meanwhile, concerns over the growing drug abuse culture, an issue resonating across Tamil Nadu, are also present in these regions. This has led to dissatisfaction among even long-time DMK supporters, prompting some to consider voting for change, potentially posing a minor setback for the party.
At the same time, Vijay’s TVK appears to have gained support not just among youth but across age groups.
However, it is undeniable that the DMK continues to retain strong support in both the Delta region and central Tamil Nadu.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
