Chennai
oi-Prakash KL
TVK chief Vijay has created a history by winning Perambur seat, defeating the DMK candidate RD Sekar.
Perambur Assembly constituency, one of the 234 segments in Tamil Nadu, is a key urban seat located in Chennai district and forms part of the Chennai North Lok Sabha constituency. Numbered 12, it is an important political battleground in north Chennai and known for its dense population, working-class base, and mix of industrial and residential pockets.
Perambur, a dense urban constituency in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, features a competitive 2026 Assembly election where incumbent DMK MLA R.D. Sekar faces PMK, actor Vijay’s TVK, and NTK candidates following DMK’s decisive 2021 victory.
The 2026 Assembly election in Perambur has shaped up to be a closely watched contest, with major Dravidian parties and emerging political forces in the fray. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) had fielded its sitting MLA R.D. Sekar, who is seeking re-election after a strong performance in 2021.
The AIADMK ally PMK had fielded M. Thilagabama, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor Vijay, had entered the race with its candidate, aiming to make inroads among urban and youth voters. Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) had fielded Vetri Tamizhan, continuing its strategy of contesting across constituencies to expand its vote base.
In the 2021 Assembly elections, R.D. Sekar of the DMK secured a decisive victory, polling over 1 lakh votes and winning with a comfortable margin against his AIADMK rival. The election recorded a turnout of around 65%, indicating steady voter participation in this urban constituency. In 2016, however, the contest was tighter. The DMK managed to retain the seat, but with a narrower margin, as the AIADMK mounted a strong challenge during a period when it was electorally dominant across the state.
The constituency has traditionally leaned towards the DMK, largely due to its demographic composition, which includes a significant number of working-class voters, minorities, and long-time urban residents who have historically supported the party’s social justice and welfare-oriented policies. At the same time, the AIADMK has maintained a consistent presence, often emerging as a strong runner-up and keeping the contests competitive.
The 2026 election introduces a new dynamic with the entry of TVK, which is attempting to disrupt the traditional DMK-AIADMK binary. With a focus on youth appeal and anti-establishment sentiment, the party’s performance could influence vote shares, even if it does not emerge victorious. Meanwhile, NTK continues to appeal to a niche but committed voter base.
