ECI recognises TVK as State party; Tamil Nadu CM Vijay expresses gratitude to people

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recognised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a State party in both Tamil Nadu and in the Union Territory of Puducherry after it satisfied the prescribed criteria. Previously, the TVK was a registered, unrecognised party. With the ECI recognition, the party is entitled to have its symbol ‘Whistle’ reserved, besides certain other advantages.

In the 2026 Assembly election, the TVK contested 233 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and won 108 seats with a vote share of 34.92%. The party also won two of the 28 seats it contested in Puducherry, with a vote share of 16.85%.

Now, the number of recognised State parties in Tamil Nadu has gone up to seven. According to Election Commission data, the DMK, AIADMK, DMDK, CPI, VCK, and NTK are recognised as State parties in Tamil Nadu.