Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections: MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin Lag Behind TVK Rivals

Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is witnessing a significant shift as Chief Minister MK Stalin and his son, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, find themselves trailing behind candidates from the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in the ongoing state Assembly elections. The initial rounds of counting suggest a surprising turn of events for the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party, traditionally a dominant force in the region.

As of the fifth counting round, MK Stalin, who has held the Kolathur constituency in north Chennai since 2011, was behind TVK’s VS Babu by 2,529 votes. This seat has historically been a stronghold for the DMK, with Stalin previously winning by a margin of over 70,000 votes in the 2021 elections against Aadi Rajaram of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). With a total of 22 rounds of counting scheduled in Kolathur, the political stakes remain high for the incumbent Chief Minister.

In the Chepauk-Tiruvallikeni constituency, Udhayanidhi Stalin, who became an MLA in 2021 and was appointed as a Cabinet minister in December 2022, is also facing a challenge. After the second round of counting, he is trailing TVK’s Selvam D by a margin of 1,244 votes. With 17 rounds of counting left, this seat is crucial for the DMK’s youth wing leader and could signify a shift in voter sentiment.

The emergence of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, led by popular actor Vijay, has added an unpredictable element to this election. The party, which made its debut in this election cycle, has quickly garnered attention and support, indicating a possible realignment of political loyalties in Tamil Nadu. As counting progresses, the results could redefine the state’s political landscape.

With the elections still unfolding, the results could have far-reaching implications for both the DMK and the newly established TVK. Observers are keeping a close eye on how these developments might affect the future of politics in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its vibrant political culture and dynamic electoral contests.

Source: scroll.in