NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has released its first list of 27 candidates for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, featuring several high-profile leaders and Union Ministers.
The state is set to go to the polls for its 234-member Assembly on April 23, 2026, with the BJP fighting as a key constituent of the NDA alliance led by Edappadi K. Palaniswami (AIADMK).
Key Candidates & Constituencies:
-
L. Murugan (Union Minister): Fielded from the Avanashi seat.
-
Tamilisai Soundararajan (Former Governor): Contesting from Mylapore.
-
Vanathi Srinivasan (Mahila Morcha President): Nominated for Coimbatore (North).
-
S. Vijayadharani: Named as the candidate for Vilavancode.
-
Kirthika Shivkumar & Nagesh Kumar: To contest from Modakkurichi and Thalli, respectively.
Strategic Outlook
Union Minister and BJP election in-charge Piyush Goyal expressed confidence in the alliance’s ability to unseat the DMK government. Highlighting the “Double Engine” vision, the party is positioning itself as a force for infrastructure development and anti-corruption.
The BJP aims to significantly improve its 2021 performance, where it won four seats, by leveraging the combined strength of the NDA to tap into anti-incumbency sentiments across the state.
Tamil Nadu Election 2026: Key Dates
-
Polling Date: April 23, 2026
-
Counting of Votes: May 4, 2026
