'180 to 200 seats': TVK's Sengottaiyan predicts 'historic win' for Vijay-led party

NEW DELHI: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader KA Sengottaiyan on Saturday said the two-year-old party would win at least 180 of the 234 constituencies in the recently held Tamil Nadu assembly elections.He added that TVK chief, actor-politician Vijay, would become the next chief minister of Tamil Nadu. Making his electoral debut, the Tamil superstar contested from Tiruchirappalli East and Perambur constituencies.“Leader Vijay will rule Tamil Nadu with a visionary mind. The 2026 election victory will be historic. The leader of the TVK has overcome various trials and opposition day and night. Time will tell on May 4,” Sengottaiyan said at a press conference in Gobichettipalayam. He had joined TVK from AIADMK ahead of the April 23 assembly polls.Sengottaiyan also ruled out any possibility of a post-poll alliance, saying the party would secure a clear majority.“There is no situation where there is no majority. We will win 180 to 200 seats. That is the target,” he stated, adding that he had witnessed "strong public support" during his recent travels.Polling for all 234 seats was held on April 23, with TVK contesting against the ruling DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA). The main opposition bloc was the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which includes the AIADMK and the BJP.Most exit polls have predicted a return to power for the SPA, with TVK expected to win fewer than 10 seats. People Pulse projected 2–6 seats for TVK, while Matrize estimated 0–6 seats. However, Axis My India projected a stronger showing, forecasting 98–120 constituencies for TVK, 92–100 for the SPA, and 22–32 for the NDA.However, exit polls are not always accurate.The majority mark in the 234-member assembly is 118.The counting of votes will take place on May 4.(With ANI inputs)