M. G. Ramachandran (commonly known as M.G.R), the AIADMK founder and a prominent Tamil film actor, was sworn in as Chief Minister for the first time.

The DMK gradually weakened in the years following the previous election due to several splits resulting from the exit of influential leaders, including M.G.R.

The party's popularity was further undermined by widespread corruption allegations, which M.G.R highlighted, given his close relationship with the Indian National Congress (INC).

He then joined and lead the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), which won the Dindigul by-election in 1973.

[1] In March 1977, V. R. Nedunchezhiyan and several senior leaders also left the DMK to form the Makkal Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.

K. Kamaraj did not come in support of Jayaprakash Narayan due to his association with DMK despite the fact he disapproved of Indira Gandhi's actions.

DMK executive council called the Emergency unnecessary and undemocratic on 27 June and party leaders condemned it in several statewide meetings.

[1] Kamaraj, leader of Indian National Congress (Organisation), who remarked in 1972, "Randu Katchigalum Orey Kuttaiyil Oorina Mattaigal (both parties, the DMK and the AIADMK, are like fronds dipped in the same bog or tarred by the same brush).

Indian National Congress (Indira) faction could not establish a foothold in Tamil Nadu until his death.

Similarly the AIADMK also supported the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) candidate M. Abdul Latheef in the Vaniyambadi Constituency.