Former auto driver Vijay Dhamu won the Royapuram constituency seat in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on Monday [1].

The victory marks a significant shift in the political landscape of North Chennai. By defeating established heavyweights from the DMK and AIADMK parties, Dhamu has broken a long-held stronghold for the traditional political powers in the region [1].

Dhamu ran as a candidate for the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party [2]. His win is being viewed as a striking debut for the TVK in the 2026 Assembly election, signaling a potential disruption to the existing two-party dominance in the state [1].

The Royapuram constituency in Chennai has historically been a battleground for the DMK and AIADMK. The victory of a candidate with a background as an auto driver suggests a shift in voter preference toward grassroots representatives over traditional political elites [2].

Reports on the selection of the candidate vary. Some sources said that actor Vijay, the leader of the TVK, gave the Royapuram seat to the son of his long-time driver [2]. Other reports identify Vijay Dhamu himself as the former auto driver who secured the victory [1].

This result is part of a broader electoral cycle in Tamil Nadu where new political entries are attempting to challenge the established order. The outcome in Royapuram serves as a focal point for the TVK's initial impact on the state's legislative makeup [1].

“Former auto driver Vijay Dhamu won the Royapuram constituency seat”

The victory of Vijay Dhamu represents a tactical success for the TVK in penetrating urban strongholds. By fielding a candidate with a working-class background who can defeat veteran politicians, the party is positioning itself as a populist alternative to the DMK and AIADMK, potentially altering the coalition dynamics in future Tamil Nadu politics.