The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recognised the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) as a State party in both Tamil Nadu and in the Union Territory of Puducherry after it satisfied the prescribed criteria. Previously, the TVK was a registered, unrecognised party. With the ECI recognition, the party is entitled to have its symbol ‘Whistle’ reserved, besides certain other advantages.

In the 2026 Assembly election, the TVK contested 233 Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu and won 108 seats with a vote share of 34.92%. The party also won two of the 28 seats it contested in Puducherry, with a vote share of 16.85%.

Expressing happiness over the party being recognised as a State party, TVK president and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay said the TVK was started in 2024 to repay the debt of gratitude to the people of Tamil Nadu and Tamil people across the world who had shown immense love and support to him.

Within 27 months of entering politics, the TVK secured nearly 35% of the votes in the 2026 Assembly election in Tamil Nadu, becoming the single-largest party in the State, Mr. Vijay said. He thanked the people for trusting the TVK and bringing about what he described as a silent democratic revolution through the ‘Whistle’ symbol. He also thanked those who worked hard for strengthening the party.