ECI grants TVK State party status in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

The Election Commission of India has granted Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) recognition as a State party in Tamil Nadu and in the Union Territory of Puducherry. The party had earlier been registered but unrecognised, and it met the criteria laid down for the status.

The recognition entitles TVK to have its 'Whistle' symbol reserved, along with other benefits that come with being a recognised State party.

The decision follows the party's performance in the 2026 Assembly election. In Tamil Nadu, TVK contested 233 constituencies and won 108 seats, recording a vote share of 34.92%. In Puducherry, it contested 28 seats, won two, and secured 16.85% of the votes.

With the addition of TVK, Tamil Nadu now has seven recognised State parties. The others are the DMK, AIADMK, DMDK, CPI, VCK and NTK.

TVK president and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed happiness at the recognition. He said the party was founded in 2024 to repay the debt of gratitude owed to the people of Tamil Nadu and to Tamil people around the world who had extended him immense love and support.

Mr. Vijay noted that within 27 months of entering politics, TVK had secured close to 35% of the votes in the 2026 Assembly election and emerged as the single-largest party in the State. He thanked the people for their trust and for bringing about what he described as a silent democratic revolution through the 'Whistle' symbol, and also thanked those who had worked to strengthen the party.