1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election

The 1996 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, held on May 26, 1996, was a pivotal political event in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This election was conducted to elect members to the 12th Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, comprising 234 constituencies. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by M. Karunanidhi, emerged as the dominant party, securing a significant majority and winning 138 seats. This marked a substantial resurgence for the DMK, which had previously been in opposition. The Indian National Congress, aligned with the DMK as part of the Democratic Progressive Alliance, contributed to the coalition’s success. The election was characterized by high voter turnout and intense political rivalries, reflecting the state's diverse electoral landscape and sociopolitical dynamics.