A recent C Voter survey has revealed that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin remains the most preferred leader in the state, with 27% of respondents favouring him for the role. However, actor-turned-politician Vijay, the chief of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as a strong contender, securing 18% of the votes. This surprising result signals a potential political shift ahead of the 2026 Legislative Assembly elections.
C’Voter:
C-Voter (Centre for Voting Opinion & Trends in Election Research) is an Indian polling and survey agency that specializes in opinion polls, exit polls, and electoral research. It provides insights into public opinion on political, economic, and social issues. C-Voter conducts telephonic, online, and on-ground surveys using random sampling for diverse representation. Collected data is processed with statistical tools, applying demographic and regional weighting with the help of media channels.
The recent survey:
As per the C’voter recent survey results: Stalin Leads, But Vijay Gains Ground.
The survey results show the following rankings:
- MK Stalin (DMK): 27%
- Vijay (TVK): 18%
- Edappadi K. Palaniswami (AIADMK): 10%
- K. Annamalai (BJP): 9%
Stalin remains the most preferred leader, but Vijay’s rapid rise signals a growing demand for alternatives among voters. Public opinion on Stalin’s governance is mixed:
- 22% are “very much satisfied” with his performance.
- 33% are “somewhat satisfied.”
- 22% are “not at all satisfied.”
- 23% remain undecided.
While Stalin retains a solid support base, the level of dissatisfaction suggests potential challenges in future elections.
New Challenger-Vijay:
Actor Vijay’s rising political influence is remarkable, especially since his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has yet to contest elections. His immense popularity and strong appeal among young and first-time voters have positioned him as the second most preferred leader in the state. While his political ideology remains undefined, his ascent signals a growing appetite for fresh leadership beyond the traditional dominance of DMK and AIADMK. If this momentum continues, Vijay could emerge as a transformative force in Tamil Nadu politics.
Other leader performance:
The survey also assessed public satisfaction with opposition leaders:
1.Edappadi K. Palaniswami (AIADMK):
- 8% were “very much satisfied.”
- 27% were “satisfied to some extent.”
- 32% were “not satisfied.”
- 33% were undecided.
These figures indicate uncertainty about AIADMK’s leadership under EPS.
2. K. Annamalai (BJP):
Secured only 9% support, showing that BJP still struggles to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu.
Public Concerns: What Matters to Tamil Nadu Voters?
The survey highlighted key voter concerns:
- Women’s security – 15%
- Rising prices – 12%
- Drug and alcohol abuse – 10%
- Unemployment – 8%,
Finalization The C-Voter survey highlights a shifting political landscape in Tamil Nadu. CM MK Stalin leads with 27% support, but actor Vijay has emerged as a strong challenger with 18%, despite his party (TVK) not yet contesting elections. His popularity among young voters signals a demand for new leadership. Meanwhile, AIADMK’s EPS and BJP’s Annamalai struggle with lower approval ratings. Key voter concerns include women’s security, rising prices, and unemployment. With notable dissatisfaction in Stalin’s governance, Vijay’s rising influence could reshape the 2026 elections.