What Madurai Central could demonstrate is something with implications that travel well beyond Tamil Nadu. 3 min read May 4, 2026 11:13 AM IST First published on: May 4, 2026 at 10:55 AM IST What began as a curiosity has, by mid-morning, turned into a shock. As counting crossed the first hour, early trends suggested not just a disruption but a rupture in Tamil Nadu’s long-set political order. Actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), once treated as an unpredictable third force, was leading in a startling number of constituencies – 50 seats by 10 am, according to Election Commission trends. Minutes later, by 10.18 am, that figure had surged to 79 leads. Multiple local TV channels confirm reports of the TVK leading in over 100 seats, with AIADMK behind with about 80 seats, pushing the ruling DMK to third position.…