1967 Madras Legislative Assembly election
The fourth legislative assembly election of Madras State was held in February 1967. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam led coalition under the leadership of C.N. Annadurai won the election defeating the Indian National Congress. Anti-Hindi agitations, the rising prices of essential commodities and a shortage of rice were the dominant issues. K. Kamaraj's resignation as the Chief Minister in 1963, to concentrate on party affairs, along with persistent rumours of corruption had weakened the incumbent Congress Government. This was the second time after Communist Party of India winning Kerala assembly elections in 1957, for a non-Congress party to gain majority in a state in India, and the last time that Congress held power in Tamil Nadu. It was the first time a party or pre-election alliance formed a non-Congress government with absolute majority. It marked the beginning of Dravidian dominance in the politics of Tamil Nadu. Annadurai, who became the first non-Congress chief minister of post-independence Tamil Nadu, died in office in 1969 and V.R. Nedunchezhiyan took over as acting chief minister.
Background
The Congress party began to show weakness in the years after the 1962 election. In the summer of 1962, DMK conducted demonstrations against rising prices. These demonstrations turned violent throughout the state leading to the arrest of 6500 DMK volunteers, 14 members of the assembly and four members of the Lok Sabha, including Annadurai.Kamaraj resigned the Chief Ministership in 1963 to assume the presidency of the All India Congress Committee and was replaced by M. Bakthavatsalam. Robert L. Hardgrave, Jr. wrote in an article published in the journal Pacific Affairs, that M. Bhaktavatsalam did not have the personal charisma or political acumen of Kamaraj. Persistent rumours of corruption tarnished the image of the Government. In October 1964, the food crisis brought the popularity of the Congress Government to an all-time low.
Issues
The major issues at play in the election were the official language issue, the rise in essential commodity prices and the shortage of rice. The central Government led by the Indian National Congress had implemented an act replacing English with Hindi as an official language of India while retaining a possible "associate" status to English. The switchover came into effect on 26 January 1965. In protest to the vague wording of the act, fearing a possible elimination of English and imposition of Hindi, DMK had launched an agitation opposing the switchover and that agitation turned violent. The 1967 election was held in the aftermath of this violence.The acute rice shortage prevailing in the state became an election issue with the DMK promising to supply three padis of rice for 1 Rupee in its election manifesto. The DMK capitalised on the rice shortage as well as widespread discontent with the Bhaktavatsalam administration. Slogans like Kamarajar Annachi kadalaiparuppu vilai ennachu, Bhaktavatsalam annachi arisi vilai ennachu were used effectively by the DMK to stir public anger against the Congress.
This election was noted for popular actor, DMK candidate and future Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran being shot in the throat by actor M.R. Radha. He survived the shooting, but the incident created a huge popularity wave for MGR. This eventually helped to increase the popularity of not only MGR, but also the DMK in the election, and is attributed as one of the reasons for the victory of the DMK.
Coalitions
There were two major political coalitions running in the elections. The Indian National Congress contested alone, while the Dravidar Kazhagam under Periyar E. V. Ramasamy supported and campaigned for the incumbent Congress against his protege Annadurai. The DMK-led front comprised the Swatantra Party, Communist Party of India, Praja Socialist Party, Samyukta Socialist Party, Tamil Nadu Toilers Party, Republican Party of India and the Indian Union Muslim League. The Tamil Arasu Kazhagam and the We Tamils party campaigned using the DMK election symbol. This opposition coalition was forged by C. Rajagopalachari with the sole purpose of defeating the Kamaraj led Congress. Rajaji's personal hostility to Kamaraj and his opposition to the Congress party were the main reasons behind Swatantra's alliance with DMK. The Communist Party of India campaigned alone without joining either of the two coalitions.The electoral alliance between DMK, Swatantra Party and Muslim League had emerged in the years before the 1964 civic elections throughout Madras state. During the 1964 election campaign Rajagopalachari had said, "The DMK and Muslim League are my children and I am duty bound to nurse them to strength and stature."
Campaigning
Both Congress and DMK used films and actors for campaigning. Gemini Studios produced a political film for the Congress - Vazhga Nam Thayagam starring Shivaji Ganesan and Nagesh. Sivaji and Padmini worked for the Congress party. Despite its efforts, Congress could not counter the DMK's propaganda, which had a long history of using films for political campaigns since its founding.DMK's long term association with the Tamil Film industry was put to good use in the campaign. MGR's films were used to attack Congress policies and to popularise DMK's positions. Similar to the tactics employed in the elections of 1957 and 1962, film songs and dialogues from Kaanji Thalaivan, "Deivathai , "Padakotti ", Aayirathil Oruvan", Enga Veettu Pillai, Anbe Vaa, Naan Aanaiyittal, "Mugarasi, "Petralthan Pillaya ",Vivasayee and Arasakattalai were used for political messaging. Lesser known film stars like Ravichandran and Jaishankar used their films for praising DMK and Annadurai. The DMK put up posters of MGR recuperating in a hospital bed with a neck cast all over Tamil Nadu to garner public sympathy and support.
Election
The election was held for a total of 234 constituencies, including 43 Scheduled Caste and 2 Scheduled Tribe reserved constituencies. 778 candidates, including 11 women were in the fray, of whom 231 men and 3 women were elected to the assembly. The election saw a turnout of 76.57 percent of all eligible voters, with 79.19% men and 73.99% women casting their votes. The polling for the assembly election took place along with the polling for the 1967 parliamentary elections. It took place in three phases between 5 and 21 February.Results
DMK and its coalition allies won 179 seats. The Indian National Congress won 51 seats. Four candidates of the Naam Thamizhar Party led by S. P. Adithanar and two candidates of Tamil Arasu Kazhagam led by M. P. Sivagnanam contested under DMK's "Rising Sun" Symbol. The Indian Union Muslim League candidates contested as independents.| Alliances | Party | Popular Vote | Vote % | Seats contested | Seats won | Change |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam | 6,230,556 | 40.69% | 174 | 137 | +87 |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | Swatantra Party | 811,232 | 5.30% | 27 | 20 | +14 |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | Communist Party of India | 623,114 | 4.07% | 22 | 11 | +11 |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | Praja Socialist Party | 136,188 | 0.89% | 4 | 4 | +4 |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | Indian Union Muslim League | 95,494 | 0.62% | 3 | 3 | +3 |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | Sanghata Socialist Party | 84,188 | 0.55% | 3 | 2 | +2 |
| United Front Seats: 179 Seat Change: +123 Popular Vote: 8,051,437 Popular Vote %: 52.59% | DMK Backed Independents | 70,665 | 0.46% | 2 | 2 | +2 |
| Indian National Congress Seats: 51 Seat Change: -88 Popular Vote: 6,293,378 Popular Vote %: 41.10% | Indian National Congress | 6,293,378 | 41.10% | 232 | 51 | -88 |
| Others Seats: 4 Seat Change: -5 | Independents | 591,214 | 3.86% | 246 | 1 | -4 |
| Others Seats: 4 Seat Change: -5 | Communist Party of India | 275,932 | 1.80% | 32 | 2 | — |
| Others Seats: 4 Seat Change: -5 | Forward Bloc | 44,714 | 0.29% | 1 | 1 | -2 |
| Others Seats: 4 Seat Change: -5 | Republican Party of India | 31,286 | 0.20% | 13 | 0 | — |
| Others Seats: 4 Seat Change: -5 | Bharatiya Jana Sangh | 22,745 | 0.15% | 24 | 0 | — |
| Total | 11 Political Parties | 15,310,702 | 100% | — | 234 | — |
Analysis
The effective grass roots campaigning by the DMK and the political acumen of Annadurai, defeated the Congress and its leader M. Bhaktavatsalam. The popularity of the United Front was so large that they were able to win an absolute majority in ten out of the 14 districts in the state, while Congress could not accomplish that in a single district. This was largely due to the fact that the United Front was able to capitalize on its growing support in large towns and cities, combined with the decline in Congress support in its traditional Schedule Caste constituencies.Margin of Victory
The following table shows the number of seats won by corresponding parties, by the margin of votes.| Party | Less than 500 | 500-1000 | 1000-3000 | 3000-5000 | 5000-10000 | 10000-20000 | 20000+ |
| DMK | 3 | 1 | 10 | 9 | 42 | 56 | 17 |
| SWA | — | — | 5 | 1 | 5 | 8 | 1 |
| INC | 5 | 5 | 20 | 10 | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| CPM | — | — | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Notable losses
The former chief minister and popular leader of the Indian National Congress, K. Kamaraj lost his seat in Virudunagar by 1285 votes to the student leader P. Seenivasan from the DMK. A few days before the election, Kamaraj had an accident and could not campaign. This led to his famous declaration that he would win lying down. He lost the election along with the incumbent Chief Minister M. Bakthavatsalam, who lost his seat in Sriperumbudur to D. Rajarathinam from the DMK by 8926 votes. Except for G. Bhuvaraghan, all ministers of the outgoing Bakthavatsalam cabinet were defeated in this election.Government formation
The election results were announced on 23 February 1967 and the DMK won an absolute majority on its own. It had increased its vote share to 40.6% from 27.1% in 1962 election. Annadurai resigned as the Member of Parliament from the Madras South Lok Sabha constituency, which was later won by Murasoli Maran in the following by-election. Annadurai was nominated as Chief Minister of Madras State and staked a claim to form a Government on 2 March 1967. He was sworn in by Governor Ujjal Singh on 6 March 1967 in Rajaji Hall. He was later elected to the Madras Legislative Council on 22 April 1967.Annadurai's Cabinet
The council of ministers in C. N. Annadurai's cabinet were all from the DMK and they are listed in the following table.List of elected members
| No. | Assembly Constituency | Winner | Party | Runner-up | Party | Margin |
| 1 | Acharapakkam | P. S. Ellappan | SWA | P. Saradambal | INC | 14,901 |
| 2 | Aduthurai | A. Marimuthu | INC | M. G. Mani | DMK | 4,572 |
| 3 | Alangudi | K. V. Subbiah | DMK | T. A. S. Thangavelu | INC | 836 |
| 4 | Alangulam | V. Arunachalam | DMK | A. B. Balagan | INC | 2,571 |
| 5 | Ambasamudram | G. G. S. Dikshidar | INC | A. Nallasivan | CPM | 2,513 |
| 6 | Ambur | M. Panneerselvam | DMK | P. Rajagopal | INC | 10,607 |
| 7 | Andhiyur | E. M. Natarajan | DMK | Gurumurthi | INC | 7,468 |
| 8 | Andimadam | K. N. Ramachandran | DMK | M. S. T. Padayachi | INC | 5,683 |
| 9 | Andipatti | S. Paramasivam | SWA | A. Thiruvenkidasamy | INC | 6,260 |
| 10 | Arakkonam | S. J. Ramasamy | DMK | B. Naidu | INC | 7,608 |
| 11 | Arantangi | A. Thurairasan | DMK | K. B. Dervaikarar | INC | 6,421 |
| 12 | Aravakurichi | S. K. Gounder | SWA | V. P. Gounder | INC | 24,132 |
| 13 | Arcot | Arcot N. Veeraswami | DMK | A. G. R. Naicker | INC | 14,330 |
| 14 | Ariyalur | R. Karuppiam | INC | DMK | 1,423 | - |
| 15 | Arni | A. C. Narasimhan | DMK | T. B. J. Chettiar | INC | 20,718 |
| 16 | Aruppukottai | S. S. Bharathi | SWA | T. K. Sundarm | INC | 9,141 |
| 17 | Athoor | V. S. S. Manichettiar | DMK | R. R. Reddiar | INC | 1,755 |
| 18 | Attur | K. N. Sivaperumal | DMK | M. P. Subramaniam | INC | 10,204 |
| 19 | Avanashi | R. K. Gounder | SWA | K. M. Gounder | INC | 5,119 |
| 20 | Basin Bridge | M. R. Kannan | DMK | K. Ramdas | INC | 9,352 |
| 21 | Bhavani | A. M. Raja | DMK | P. K. Mudaliar | INC | 21,353 |
| 22 | Bhavanisagar | Ramarasan | DMK | M. Velusamy | INC | 4,793 |
| 23 | Bhuvanagiri | A. Govindarasan | DMK | D. Ramachandran | INC | 10,561 |
| 24 | Bodinayakkanur | N. Srinivasan | INC | P. V. Durairaj | CPM | 766 |
| 25 | Chengalpattu | C. G. Viswanathan | DMK | T. Naicker | INC | 23,549 |
| 26 | Chengam | P. S. Santhanam | DMK | A. Arumugham | INC | 11,055 |
| 27 | Cheranmadevi | D. S. Adhimoolam | SWA | S. Chellapandian | INC | 6,375 |
| 28 | Cheyyar | K. Govindan | DMK | K. M. Kangan | INC | 19,673 |
| 29 | Chidambaram | R. Kanagasabai Pillai | INC | P. Ponchockalingam | DMK | 1,555 |
| 30 | Coimbatore East | M. Bhupathy | CPM | G. R. Damodaran | INC | 5,645 |
| 31 | Coimbatore West | J. Govindarajulu | DMK | S. R. P. P. Chettiar | INC | 17,808 |
| 32 | Colachel | A. Chidambaranatha Nadar | INC | S. Retnaraj | SWA | 1,446 |
| 33 | Coonoor | B. Gowder | DMK | M. K. N. Gowder | INC | 9,475 |
| 34 | Cuddalore | E. Re. Elamvazhuthi | DMK | P. R. S. Padayachi | INC | 7,248 |
| 35 | Cumbum | Rajangam | DMK | N. S. K. S. Pandiaraj | INC | 13,415 |
| 36 | Dharapuram | Palaniammal | DMK | P. Velusamy | INC | 20,633 |
| 37 | Dharmapuri | M. S. Gounder | DMK | D. N. Vadivel | INC | 6,691 |
| 38 | Dindigul | A. Balasubramanyam | CPM | O. C. Pillai | INC | 12,844 |
| 39 | Edapadi | A. Arumugam | INC | K. S. S. Gounder | INC | 6,342 |
| 40 | Egmore | A. V. P. Asaithambi | DMK | J. Vencatachellum | INC | 6,946 |
| 41 | Erode | M. Chinnasamy | DMK | P. Arjunan | INC | 19,663 |
| 42 | Gandarvakottai | R. R. Durai | INC | D. G. Kalingarar | DMK | 4,231 |
| 43 | Gangaikondan | A. Karuppiah | DMK | M. Chellappa | INC | 13,221 |
| 44 | Gingee | V. Munusami | DMK | G. Rajaram | INC | 11,612 |
| 45 | Gobichettipalayam | K. M. R. Gounder | SWA | M. Gounder | INC | 4,571 |
| 46 | Gudalur | C. Nanjam | INC | Bomman | SWA | 628 |
| 47 | Gudiyatham | V. K. Kothandaraman | CPM | B. R. Naidu | INC | 16,924 |
| 48 | Gummidipundi | K. Vezhavendan | DMK | Kamalambujammal | INC | 4,360 |
| 49 | Harbour | Habibullah Baig | IND | K. S. G. H. Shereef | INC | 3,850 |
| 50 | Harur | N. Theerthagiri | INC | N. Arumugam | DMK | 548 |
| 51 | Hosur | B. Venkataswami | SWA | K. A. Pillai | INC | 2,201 |
| 52 | Ilayangudi | V. Malaikannan | DMK | S. Ramachandran | INC | 10,483 |
| 53 | Jayankondam | K. A. A. K. Moorthy | DMK | S. Ramasami | INC | 5,960 |
| 54 | Kadaladi | M. Alangaram | DMK | K. Paramalai | INC | 18,125 |
| 55 | Kadambattur | C. V. M. Annamalai | DMK | C. C. Naidu | INC | 21,758 |
| 56 | Kadavur | K. K. Muthiah | INC | Anbil P. Dharmalingam | DMK | 6,314 |
| 57 | Kadayanallur | A. R. S. Mudaliar | IND | S. M. A. Majid | INC | 446 |
| 58 | Kalasapakkam | S. Murugaiyan | INC | M. Sundarasan | DMK | 12,143 |
| 59 | Kallakurichi | D. K. Naidu | DMK | V. T. Elayapillai | INC | 10,533 |
| 60 | Kamiyambadi | L. Balaraman | INC | T. Thiruvengadam | DMK | 1,412 |
| 61 | Kancheepuram | N. Krishnan | DMK | V. C. S. Nayagar | INC | 11,550 |
| 62 | Kandamangalam | M. Raman | DMK | M. S. Saraswathi | INC | 7,437 |
| 63 | Kangayam | A. S. Gounder | INC | Velusami | DMK | 146 |
| 64 | Kanyakumari | B. M. Pillai | INC | S. M. Pillai | SWA | 9,738 |
| 65 | Kapilamalai | C. V. Velappan | DMK | R. S. Gounder | INC | 8,293 |
| 66 | Karaikudi | S. Meiyappan | SWA | C. V. C. V. V. Chettiar | INC | 16,318 |
| 67 | Kariapatti | A. R. perumal | SWA | P. M. Baskaran | INC | 1,118 |
| 68 | Karur | T. M. Nallasamy | INC | S. Nallaswamy | CPM | 4,875 |
| 69 | Katpadi | G. Natarajan | DMK | P. S. R. Naidu | INC | 7,920 |
| 70 | Kattumannarkoil | S. Sivasubramanian | INC | C. Govindarasu | DMK | 134 |
| 71 | Kaveripattinam | P. Naidu | INC | P. V. Seeramulu | DMK | 3,421 |
| 72 | Killiyoor | William | INC | Paniadimai | SWA | 5,656 |
| 73 | Kinathukadavu | M. Kannappan | DMK | S. Gounder | INC | 19,954 |
| 74 | Kodavasal | C. Krishnamoorthi | DMK | M. D. T. Pillai | INC | 6,295 |
| 75 | Kottur | A. K. Subbiah | CPI | C. M. Ambikapathy | INC | 5,529 |
| 76 | Kovilpatti | S. Alagarsamy | CPI | V. O. C. A. Pillai | INC | 10,426 |
| 77 | Krishnagiri | P. M. M. Gounder | INC | C. Manniappan | DMK | 185 |
| 78 | Krishnarajapuram | P. Soundarapandian | DMK | T. V. Sannasi | INC | 2,541 |
| 79 | Kulittalai | M. Kandaswamy | DMK | P. E. S. Reddiar | INC | 3,815 |
| 80 | Kumbakonam | N. Kasiraman | INC | K. S. Mani | DMK | 1,193 |
| 81 | Kunnathur | M. Gopal | DMK | P. Appavoo | INC | 27,209 |
| 82 | Kurinjipadi | N. Rajangam | DMK | M. Jayaraman | INC | 7,252 |
| 83 | Kuttalam | G. B. Mohan | CPM | M. Sivakadaksham | INC | 6,736 |
| 84 | Lalgudi | D. Natarajan | DMK | D. R. Udaiyar | INC | 2,640 |
| 85 | Madhuranthakam | Kothandam | DMK | G. Reddy | INC | 13,182 |
| 86 | Madurai Central | C. Govindarajan | DMK | V. Sankaran | INC | 16,779 |
| 87 | Madurai East | K. P. Janakiammal | CPM | A. G. Subburaman | INC | 8,244 |
| 88 | Madurai West | N. Sankaraiah | CPM | M. Chelliah | INC | 23,870 |
| 89 | Manamadurai | K. Cheemaichamy | SWA | C. B. Rena | INC | 453 |
| 90 | Mangalore | A. Krishnan | DMK | P. Vedamanickam | INC | 12,869 |
| 91 | Mannargudi | T. S. S. Odayar | INC | S. Narayanaswamy | DMK | 923 |
| 92 | Mayuram | N. Kittappa | DMK | G. N. Naidu | INC | 3,342 |
| 93 | Melapalayam | M. M. Peer Mohammed | IND | S. R. Reddiar | INC | 8,124 |
| 94 | Melmalayanur | R. R. Munusamy | DMK | K. G. Gounder | INC | 15,820 |
| 95 | Melur North | P. Malaichamy | DMK | M. A. Ambalam | INC | 8,519 |
| 96 | Melur South | O. P. Raman | DMK | P. Kakkan | INC | 21,537 |
| 97 | Mettupalayam | T. T. S. Thippiah | INC | Thooyamani | DMK | 2,973 |
| 98 | Mettur | M. Surendaran | PSP | K. K. Gounder | INC | 6,038 |
| 99 | Modakkurichi | K. R. Nallasivam | SSP | C. Kulandiammal | INC | 19,859 |
| 100 | Mudukulathur | R. R. Thevar | SWA | S. A. Servai | INC | 11,290 |
| 101 | Mugaiyur | A. Govindasamy | DMK | N. K Ganapathy | INC | 12,043 |
| 102 | Musiri | P. S. Muthuselvan | DMK | K. V. K. Reddiar | INC | 4,865 |
| 103 | Mylapore | Arangannal | DMK | V. R. Radhakrishnan | INC | 9,228 |
| 104 | Nagapattinam | K. R. Gnanasambandan | CPM | R. R. V. Naidu | INC | 10,134 |
| 105 | Nagercoil | M. C. Balan | DMK | T. Nadar | INC | 6,692 |
| 106 | Namakkal | M. Muthuswamy | DMK | V. R. K. Gounder | INC | 7,859 |
| 107 | Nanguneri | N. Duraipandian | INC | T. G. Nadar | DMK | 4,172 |
| 108 | Nannilam | P. Jayaraj | INC | T. P. Ramachandran | CPM | 6,482 |
| 109 | Natrampalli | T. C. T. Gounder | DMK | R. C. S. Gounder | INC | 2,439 |
| 110 | Nellikuppam | C. Govindarajan | CPM | A. Lakshminarayanan | INC | 4,973 |
| 111 | Nilakkottai | A. Muniyandi | DMK | A. S. Ponnammal | INC | 12,486 |
| 112 | Yercaud | V. Chinnasamy | DMK | Ponnudurai | INC | 5,587 |
| 113 | Oddanchatram | N. Gounder | DMK | A. P. Palaniappan | INC | 8,864 |
| 114 | Omalur | C. Palani | DMK | C. Govindan | INC | 10,245 |
| 115 | Orathanad | L. Ganesan | DMK | M. D. Pillai | INC | 16,093 |
| 116 | Ottapidaram | M. Muthiah | SWA | S. Dhanushkodi | INC | 5,123 |
| 117 | Padmanabhapuram | V. George | INC | M. M. Ali | CPM | 6,923 |
| 118 | Palacode | K. Murugesan | INC | M. B. Munusamy | DMK | 3,090 |
| 119 | Palani | Krishnamoorthy | DMK | A. Rajagopal | INC | 22,891 |
| 120 | Palladam | K. N. K. Gounder | PSP | R. Sengaliappan | INC | 7,556 |
| 121 | Panamarathupatti | T. Ponnumalai | DMK | C. Sepperumal | DMK | 7,727 |
| 122 | Panruti | S. Ramachandran | DMK | V. V. Padayachi | INC | 15,566 |
| 123 | Papanasam | R. S. Moopanar | INC | A. M. Sali | IND | 10,246 |
| 124 | Paramakudi | T. K. Siraimeetan | DMK | R. Thavasi | INC | 14,466 |
| 125 | Park town | H. V. Hande | SWA | T. N. Anandanayaki | INC | 2,679 |
| 126 | Pattukkottai | A. R. Marimuthu | PSP | N. Ramasamy | INC | 7,142 |
| 127 | Pennagaram | P. K. C. Muthusamy | INC | N. Manickam | DMK | 1,343 |
| 128 | Perambalur | J. S. Rasu | DMK | M. Ayyakannu | INC | 4,793 |
| 129 | Perambur | Satyavani Muthu | DMK | D. Sulochana | INC | 6,687 |
| 130 | Peravurani | M. Krishnamurthy | DMK | A. V. Servai | INC | 9,118 |
| 131 | Periyakulam | M. Metha | DMK | R. S. Subramaniam | INC | 6,375 |
| 132 | Pernambattu | P. Jayaraman | DMK | T. Manavalan | INC | 8,911 |
| 133 | Pernamallur | V. D. A. Mudaly | DMK | P. Ramachandran | INC | 9,188 |
| 134 | Perundurai | S. Balasubramanian | SSP | N. Nallasenapathi Sarkarai Mandradiar | INC | 3134 |
| 135 | Perur | N. Marudachalam | CPM | R. Rayappan | INC | 17,192 |
| 136 | Pollachi | A. P. S. Gounder | DMK | E. Gounder | INC | 11,792 |
| 137 | Polur | S. Kuppammal | DMK | S. M. Annamalai | INC | 13,068 |
| 138 | Pongalur | P. N. P. Gounder | DMK | P.S. Rangaswamy | INC | 15,957 |
| 139 | Ponneri | P. Nagalingam | DMK | T. P. Elumalai | INC | 9,995 |
| 140 | Pudukkottai | R. V. Thondaiman | INC | Thiagarajan | DMK | 20,087 |
| 141 | Purasawalkam | V. S. Govindarajan | DMK | Damodaran | INC | 12,226 |
| 142 | Radhapuram | N. Soundrapandian | INC | V. Kartheesan | DMK | 548 |
| 143 | Rajapalayam | A. A. S. Raja | IND | P. A. A. Raja | INC | 13,261 |
| 144 | Ramanathapuram | T. Thangappan | DMK | R. Shanmuga Rajeshwara Sethupathi | INC | 8,610 |
| 145 | Ranipet | M. Abdul Gaffoor Sahib | IND | S. K. Sheriff | INC | 1,058 |
| 146 | Rasipuram | P. Periasamy | DMK | K. Muthuswamy Gounder | INC | 7,529 |
| 147 | Rishivandiyam | M. Anandan | DMK | L. Anandan | INC | 318 |
| 148 | Saidapet | M. Karunanidhi | DMK | S. G. Vinayagamurthy | INC | 20,482 |
| 149 | St. Thomas Mount | M. G. Ramachandran | DMK | T. L. Ragupathy | INC | 27,674 |
| 150 | Salem - I | K. Jayaraman | DMK | P. Thiagarajan | INC | 14,066 |
| 151 | Salem - II | E. R. Krishnan | DMK | A. R. Gounder | INC | 11,496 |
| 152 | Sankarapuram | S. P. Pachaiyappan | DMK | D. Muthusami | INC | 5,518 |
| 153 | Sankarankoil | P. Durairaj | DMK | P. Urkavalan | INC | 17,962 |
| 154 | Sankari | R. Nallamuthu | DMK | A. Rajendran | INC | 12,928 |
| 155 | Sattur | S. Ramaswamy Naidu | SWA | R. Krishnasamy Naidu | INC | 19,910 |
| 156 | Sathankulam | Martin | INC | Adithan | DMK | 4,297 |
| 157 | Satyamangalam | P. G. Karuthiruman | INC | S. M. Marappan | CPM | 1,206 |
| 158 | Sedapatti | V. T. Thevar | SWA | T. A. Nadar | INC | 19,614 |
| 159 | Sembanarkoil | S. Ganesan | DMK | S. Ramalingam | INC | 18,947 |
| 160 | Sendamangalam | A. S. Gounder | INC | S. T. Doraiswamy | CPM | 771 |
| 161 | Sholavandan | P. S. Maniyan | DMK | R. S. Servai | INC | 16,493 |
| 162 | Sholinghur | Aranganathan | DMK | A. M. P. Mudaliar | INC | 7,024 |
| 163 | Singanallur | P. Velusamy | PSP | V. K. L. Gounder | INC | 13,263 |
| 164 | Sivaganga | S. Sethuraman | DMK | R. V. Swaminathan | INC | 12,950 |
| 165 | Sivakasi | S. A. Thevar | SWA | R. R. Thevar | INC | 11,498 |
| 166 | Sirkazhi | K. B. S. Mani | IND | R. Thangavelu | INC | 12,814 |
| 167 | Srirangam | INC | M. Aruna | INC | 1,118 | |
| 168 | Sriperumbudur | D. Rajarathinam | DMK | M. Bakthavatsalam | INC | 8926 |
| 169 | Srivaikuntam | S. P. Adithanar | DMK | Eral.R.L.Ramasamy Nadar | INC | 19,061 |
| 170 | Srivilliputhur | K. A. A. Gurusamy | DMK | S. P. Dharmaraj | INC | 8,941 |
| 171 | Talavasal | Moo. Marimuthu | DMK | A. Doraisamy | INC | 8,841 |
| 172 | Taramangalam | Govindan | DMK | M. S. Krishnan | INC | 8,963 |
| 173 | Tenkasi | I. A. C. Pillai | INC | K. M. K. Samsudin | DMK | 743 |
| 174 | Thandrambattu | K. S. Kandar | INC | R. Dharmalingam | DMK | 1,339 |
| 175 | Thanjavur | A. Y. S. Parisutha Nadar | INC | S. Natarajan | DMK | 4,511 |
| 176 | Theni | P. T. R. Palanivel Rajan | DMK | M. Malaichami | INC | 12,514 |
| 177 | Thirumangalam | N. S. V. Chithan | INC | M. P. Rajan | SWA | 3,257 |
| 178 | Thirupparangundram | S. Agniraju | DMK | S. Sonaimuthu | INC | 22,377 |
| 179 | Thiruvattar | J. James | INC | D. Gnanasigamani | CPM | 8,092 |
| 180 | Thondamuthur | R. Manickavasakam | DMK | V. E. Naidu | INC | 15,419 |
| 181 | Thottiyam | Vadivel | DMK | T. Veerappan | INC | 10,031 |
| 182 | Thousand lights | K. A. Mathialagan | DMK | M. Sivaraj | INC | 14,148 |
| 183 | T. Nagar | M. P. Sivagnanam | DMK | K. M. Subramaniam | IND | 9,993 |
| 184 | Thirumayam | Ponnambalam | DMK | V. Ramiah | INC | 20,221 |
| 185 | Thiruthuraipundi | N. Dharmalingam | DMK | K. C. Manali | CPI | 1,502 |
| 186 | Thiruvaiyaru | G. M. Sethurar | DMK | K. B. Palani | INC | 3,528 |
| 187 | Thiruvarambur | V. Swaminathan | INC | K. Kamakshi | DMK | 4,629 |
| 188 | Thiruvarur | Dhanushkodi | CPM | Vedaiyan | INC | 2,554 |
| 189 | Tindivanam | K. Ramamoorthy | INC | A. Thangavelu | DMK | 2098 |
| 190 | Tiruchendur | E. Fernando | DMK | S. Nadar | INC | 10,648 |
| 191 | Tiruchengode | T. A. Rajavelu | DMK | T. P. Natesan | INC | 20,348 |
| 192 | Tiruchy - I | M. S. Mani | DMK | A. S. G. L. Pillai | INC | 3,305 |
| 193 | Tiruchy - II | R. Nagasundaram | DMK | M. K. M. A. Salam | INC | 7,206 |
| 194 | Tirukoilur | E. M. Subramaniam | INC | A. S. Kumarasamy | DMK | 1,673 |
| 195 | Tirunelveli | A. L. Subramanian | DMK | M. S. M. Pillai | INC | 16,225 |
| 196 | Tiruppattur | C.K.Chinnaraj Gounder | DMK | Shanmugmam | INC | 2,077 |
| 197 | Tiruppattur | S. Madhavan | DMK | V. S. S. Chettiar | INC | 13,638 |
| 198 | Tirupporur | Munu Adhi | DMK | N. M. Manivarma | INC | 16,416 |
| 199 | Tiruppur | S. Duraisamy | DMK | K. N. P. Gounder | INC | 14,145 |
| 200 | Tiruttani | K. Vinayakam | INC | V. K. Kuppuswamy | DMK | 1,786 |
| 201 | Tiruvadanai | K. Ambalam | SWA | M. Arunachalam | INC | 3,969 |
| 202 | Tiruvallur | S. M. Dorairaj | DMK | V. S. Arunachalam | INC | 21,657 |
| 203 | Tiruvannamalai | D. Vijayaraj | INC | P. U. Shanmugam | DMK | 3,185 |
| 204 | Tiruvottiyur | A. P. Arasu | DMK | V. Venkateswaralu | INC | 18,873 |
| 205 | Triplicane | V. R. Nedunchezhiyan | DMK | M. S. Sammandappa | INC | 12,694 |
| 206 | Tuticorin | M. S. Sivasami | DMK | S. P. Nadar | INC | 14,658 |
| 207 | Udagamandalam | K. Bojan | SWA | T. K. Gowder | INC | 19,889 |
| 208 | Uddanapalle | K. S. Kothandaramiah | SWA | D. C. Vijendriah | INC | 14,078 |
| 209 | Udumalpet | S. J. S. Pasha | DMK | K. Ramasami | INC | 14,018 |
| 210 | Uppiliyapuram | T. P. Alagamuthu | DMK | A. V. Mudaliar | INC | 12,037 |
| 211 | Usilambatti | P. K. M. Thevar | FBL | A. M. N. Thevar | INC | 28,489 |
| 212 | Ulundurpet | M. K. Padayachi | INC | V. S. Padayachi | DMK | 1,560 |
| 213 | Uthangarai | T. T. Gownder | INC | K. R. Krishnan | DMK | 2,040 |
| 214 | Uthiramerur | K. M. Rajagopal | DMK | O. S. Reddiar | INC | 20,875 |
| 215 | Vadamadurai | P. T. Naicker | INC | V. S. Lakshmanan | DMK | 1,856 |
| 216 | Valangiman | N. Somasundaram | DMK | R. Subramaniam | INC | 4,018 |
| 217 | Valparai | E. Ramaswamy | DMK | N. Nachimuthu | INC | 20,077 |
| 218 | Vanur | A. G. Balakrishnan | DMK | Velayudham | INC | 70 |
| 219 | Vandavasi | Muthulingam | DMK | A. Adineelam | INC | 17,326 |
| 220 | Vaniyambadi | Rajamannar | INC | Vadivel | DMK | 1,638 |
| 221 | Varahur | R. Narayanan | DMK | M. V. Perumal | INC | 12,313 |
| 222 | Vasudevanallur | A. Velladurai | DMK | M. P. Swamy | INC | 6,980 |
| 223 | Vedaranyam | P. V. Thevar | INC | P. V. Thevar | DMK | 264 |
| 224 | Vedasandur | N. Varadaraj | CPM | S. N. Rao | INC | 691 |
| 225 | Veerapandy | S. Arumugam | DMK | N. S. Sundararajan | INC | 20,805 |
| 226 | Vellakoil | K. N. S. Gounder | DMK | D. P. Gounder | INC | 19,431 |
| 227 | Vellore | M. P. Sarathi | DMK | J. Mudaliar | INC | 14,414 |
| 228 | Vilathikulam | M. Rathinasabapathy | DMK | M. P. S. Reddiar | IND | 3,555 |
| 229 | Vilavancode | R. Ponnappan Nadar | INC | P. M. N. Pillai | IND | 11,327 |
| 230 | Villupuram | M. Shanmugam | DMK | V. P. S. Gounder | INC | 5,931 |
| 231 | Viralimalai | S. S. Thethuvandar | DMK | P. P. Gounder | INC | 3,934 |
| 232 | Virudunagar | P. Seenivasan | DMK | K. Kamaraj | INC | 1,285 |
| 233 | Vridhachalam | G. Bhuvaraghan | INC | M. Selvaraj | DMK | 8,867 |
| 234 | Washermanpet | M. Vedachalam | DMK | M. Mayandi Nadar | INC | 7,242 |