These smaller parties, aligned with either the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) or the AIADMK-led NDA, will have the backing of their respective fronts but are expected to demonstrate their standalone voter base in the constituencies they are contesting.
Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi, led by Seeman, and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, spearheaded by actor-turned-politician Vijay, are contesting independently across all 234 constituencies, banking heavily on their leaders’ appeal.
The DMK and AIADMK remain locked in a direct contest in 121 seats, forming the core of the electoral battle.
Among key contests, the Congress will face the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) in Sholinghur, Pennagaram and Mayiladuthurai. The Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam, aligned with the SPA, will take on its former ally PMK in Dharmapuri, Polur, Salem (West) and Virudhachalam.
Another DMK ally, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) led by Thol Thirumavalavan, will contest against the PMK in Kattumannarkoil and Tiruporur.
The Congress is also set to face the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) in Udhagamandalam, Aranthangi, Vilavancode, Killiyoor and Colachel. Left parties will take on the BJP in Gandharvakottai, Padmanabhapuram, Thalli and Kilvelur.
In other contests, Congress will challenge the AMMK in Karaikudi and Nanguneri, while the VCK will take on the AMMK in Periyakulam.
Seat-sharing arrangements show the DMK contesting 175 seats as the leader of the SPA, while the AIADMK is in the fray in 169 constituencies.
Polling for all 234 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu will be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.
