Incumbent Chief Minister M. K. Stalin (DMK) is trailing behind TVK candidate VS Babu in the Kolathur Assembly constituency during early vote counting [1].
This development marks a significant shift in a high-stakes battle for the Chennai-based seat. The result could signal a broader change in voter sentiment toward the DMK-led alliance and the rise of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party.
Polling for the Kolathur constituency took place on 23 April 2026 [2]. Vote counting began across Tamil Nadu on 4 May 2026 [3]. Early trends indicate a multi-cornered contest that has put the Chief Minister in a precarious position for the first time in this constituency [1].
The surge of the TVK, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, has intensified the competition in the region. This shift in support has created a three-way contest that has disrupted the traditional dominance of the DMK in the area [4].
Across the state, early trends show the TVK leading in 82 seats [5]. In contrast, the DMK leads in 45 seats [5]. These figures suggest a substantial impact from the TVK's entry into the political landscape, a factor that has contributed to Stalin's current standing in Kolathur.
Election officials continue to process the ballots as the state awaits the final tally for the Vidhan Sabha chunav. The outcome in Kolathur is being closely watched as a bellwether for the DMK's influence in the capital city of Chennai [1].
“M. K. Stalin (DMK) is trailing behind TVK candidate VS Babu in the Kolathur Assembly constituency”
The early lead of VS Babu over M. K. Stalin suggests that the TVK has successfully disrupted the established bipolarity of Tamil Nadu politics. By drawing significant support away from the DMK, Vijay's party is not only challenging individual seats like Kolathur but is potentially altering the legislative math across the state, as evidenced by the disparity in seats led by the two parties in early trends.
