Royapuram Shocker: Auto Driver Wins Big for TVK

In one of the most surprising outcomes of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Election Results 2026, an auto driver has emerged as a giant-killer in Chennai’s Royapuram constituency. Representing the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, K. Vijay Dhamu secured a remarkable victory by defeating prominent candidates from both the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

Dhamu polled over 55,000 votes and won the seat by a margin of around 14,000 votes, marking a significant upset in a constituency long dominated by established political heavyweights. The DMK’s Subair Khan finished second, while AIADMK veteran and five-time MLA D. Jayakumar was pushed to third place.

The victory is particularly notable as Royapuram has been a traditional stronghold for the AIADMK for decades. Dhamu’s win signals a major political shift and highlights the growing influence of TVK in Tamil Nadu. Known for his grassroots connection, Vijay Dhamu built his campaign around the identity of a common man, focusing on local issues and community engagement. His long association with the party’s grassroots network played a crucial role in mobilising voter support.

The result also reflects the wider impact of TVK’s rise in the state, with the party gaining momentum across multiple constituencies. Dhamu’s journey from an auto driver to a winning candidate has become a defining moment of the election, symbolising the emergence of new political forces in Tamil Nadu.