Published Apr 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 17, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode are hubs for the textile and garment industries.
Synopsis: Western Tamil Nadu, also known as the Kongu region, was one of the regions that dealt a significant setback to the ruling DMK government in the 2021 Assembly elections. From people’s opinions, it is evident that DMK’s welfare schemes have reached a large number of women. Based on this, even those who voted for AIADMK last time are now inclined towards DMK. However, the youth seem to have an inclination towards TVK and Vijay.
Western Tamil Nadu, also known as the Kongu region, consisting of Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Tiruppur, Namakkal, Karur, and the Nilgiris and other areas, was one of the regions that dealt a significant setback to the ruling DMK government in the 2021 Assembly elections.
In particular, in the last election, the DMK suffered major setbacks in Assembly constituencies across Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts, while the AIADMK secured significant victories.
Now, as the Tamil Nadu government led by MK Stalin completes five years in office, South First conducted a ground survey across select constituencies in Coimbatore and Tiruppur districts to understand who the people of Kongu are likely to choose as their leaders in the 2026 Assembly elections.
On one hand, some people who have traditionally supported AIADMK say they may vote for DMK this time, citing the various welfare schemes implemented over the past five years. On the other hand, there are others who feel the need for change and hope that actor-turned-politician Vijay and his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), could lead it.
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The Kongu region is predominantly inhabited by communities such as the Kongu Vellala Gounders, who belong to the backward class category, along with a significant Dalit population. There is also a substantial presence of intermediate caste groups.
Economically, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Erode are hubs for the textile and garment industries, which form the backbone of the region. These industries employ not only people from Tamil Nadu but also a large number of migrant workers from North India.
Additionally, the region serves as a major centre for engineering industries and small and medium enterprises. Beyond this, districts such as Erode, Salem, Namakkal, and Karur are known for agriculture, poultry, textile production, turmeric cultivation, and lorry transport businesses.
The Nilgiris, being a hilly region, is primarily dependent on tea cultivation and is home to tribal communities along with a mixed population.
The choice of people in Coimbatore North, one of the city’s busiest constituencies, appeared different this time. In the last three elections, candidates from AIADMK have consistently won from this constituency.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, BJP candidate Vanathi Srinivasan, contesting as part of the AIADMK alliance, won the Coimbatore South seat by a margin of 1,728 votes. This time, she has shifted to Coimbatore North. Just as she changed constituencies, some voters here appear to have changed their political preferences.
Manimekalai (65) told South First, “AIADMK has done good work, but not like MK Stalin. He has introduced many benefits for women, such as the women’s entitlement scheme and free bus travel. So this time, I support DMK.”
When asked about Vijay, she said he lacks political experience, and she would not support him.
Similarly, 50-year-old Deivaanai, who has been voting for 30 years, said she had supported AIADMK from her first vote until 2016, but voted for DMK in the 2021 election and has benefited from it.
“I voted for AIADMK from the beginning, but I received nothing. Last time I voted for DMK, and they have done a lot: ₹1,000 monthly assistance, free bus travel and even housing. So I will vote for DMK again,” she told South First.
However, 55-year-old Krishnaveni from the same constituency said, “Not just in 2026, in any election, we will vote only for the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol.”
Explaining her reason, she said, “We have been voting for that party since childhood. We don’t want to change. Our grandchildren ask us to vote for Vijay; they are educated, and they will choose what they like. But for us, it will always be AIADMK.”
Mohan from Singanallur constituency said, “AIADMK was good as long as Jayalalithaa was there. After Edappadi, it is not the same.” “This time, I will vote for DMK because they have introduced many welfare schemes,” he added.
Muniyasamy from Coimbatore South, a lifelong DMK supporter, said he would continue to support the party but believes the electoral field will be tough for all parties this time.
“This time Vijay has started a party. It’s unclear whether his fans will vote for him. On the other hand, Seeman is campaigning strongly. Along with AIADMK, all this makes the contest difficult for every party,” he told South First.
The campaign of Naam Tamilar Katchi’s (NTK) Seeman has also reached the youth.
Ashokan (35), from Thondamuthur, said, “I was with DMK earlier, but now I am thinking of supporting Seeman. I like his speeches.”
When asked about Vijay, he said, “If Dravidian parties promise ₹2,000, Vijay promises ₹2,500. There is a difference between saying ‘I will give you free benefits’ and saying ‘I will create opportunities for you to earn.’ In that sense, Seeman feels right to me. I support him.”
However, not everyone in Coimbatore is choosing DMK or AIADMK. Among the youth and first-time voters across Tamil Nadu, Vijay’s promise of “change” is clearly visible. Many women voters strongly believe that if Vijay comes to power, women’s safety will improve.
Parameswari (28), from Singanallur, who has voted four times so far, said she had previously chosen NOTA but will vote for Vijay this time. “He is contesting for the first time. Things might change if he comes. I will support him, especially for women’s safety,” she said.
Divya, a first-time voter from the same constituency, also said she would vote for Vijay’s TVK. Her reason is just one word, “Change.”
This single word is now deeply resonating among many young women voters in Tamil Nadu. Bino, another first-time voter from Coimbatore North, echoed the same sentiment.
“This is his first time. We should give him a chance. I believe he will do something good for Tamil Nadu,” he said.
On Seeman, he added, “He keeps contesting elections but is not moving to the next level. Vijay has the goal of becoming the chief minister. So we can choose him.”
Unlike Coimbatore, a significant section of people in Tiruppur are eagerly waiting for Vijay to assume the chief ministership. They believe his rule will bring change, starting from their homes and spreading across Tamil Nadu.
In the busy textile city of Tiruppur, specifically Tiruppur North, Durairajan, who had been voting for DMK in nine consecutive elections, said he will vote for Vijay this time.
“I have voted for DMK nine times, but this time I want to give Vijay a chance. Dynasty politics has increased in DMK, so let’s help Vijay grow,” he said.
Speaking about Seeman, he added, “He is also a good fighter. He deserves support, but for now, let’s help Vijay grow. Maybe later we can support Seeman.”
Mahalakshmi (28), who works in Tiruppur and had previously voted for AIADMK, said she will vote for Vijay this time. Her expectations were striking.
“I will support Vijay this time. If he comes, good things will happen for women, and even gold prices will reduce. So I want to switch my vote to him,” she said.
Parameswari from Anupparpalayam, who has alternated between AIADMK and DMK, said she voted for MK Stalin last time based on promises but is now concerned about issues like drug culture and women’s safety.
“If drug culture had been eliminated, I would have voted for Stalin again. But that hasn’t happened. Vijay has promised safety for people and women with immediate solutions. So I will vote for him,” she told South First.
Surya Prakash (21) said, “The current rulers bring schemes only during elections. If they had implemented them earlier, we would have voted for them. Vijay’s promises seem believable, so I will vote for his party.”
Similarly, Premkumar from Tiruchengode in Namakkal district said, “The current rulers enrich themselves. Rowdyism is increasing. If Vijay comes, all this will change. So he gets my vote.”
However, not everyone in Tiruppur is leaning towards Vijay.
R Ravichandran from Palladam said, “For state autonomy, securing funds, and protecting people, DMK is the right choice.”
“Anyone other than DMK coming to power in Tamil Nadu would benefit the BJP-led Union government. Secularism will weaken, and Tamil Nadu may become like Uttar Pradesh or Manipur,” he said.
He added that AIADMK was good during Jayalalithaa’s time but has declined since, and while Seeman speaks well, it is uncertain whether he can deliver. Missing out on DMK or MK Stalin this time, he believes, would be detrimental for Tamil Nadu.
At the same time, Shanti from Pongalur, a long-time AIADMK supporter, said she voted for MK Stalin last time but may return to the ‘Two Leaves’ symbol this time. She also said she would not vote for Vijay as he is new to politics.
From people’s opinions in Coimbatore and Tiruppur, two key districts in the Kongu region, it is evident that DMK’s welfare schemes over the past five years have reached a large number of women. Based on this, even those who voted for AIADMK last time are now inclined towards DMK.
At the same time, first-time voters, youth, and a notable section of women believe that Vijay can solve everything, from their personal issues to even global factors like rising gold prices, and are therefore inclined to support him.
Meanwhile, although there are doubts about whether AIADMK can replicate its previous electoral success in the Kongu region, its loyal voter base remains intact. However, their younger generations are increasingly leaning towards TVK, followed by NTK and DMK.
Therefore, this time, DMK may perform better than in the previous election, AIADMK may see reduced success compared to its last performance, and TVK is likely to create a significant impact in the Kongu region.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
