Stalin, Vijay file nominations as Tamil Nadu Assembly poll battle heats up

With nominations commencing for the April 23 Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay, who is making his electoral debut, filed their papers on Monday from Kolathur and Perambur, respectively, in Chennai.

Shortly after filing his nomination, Stalin released a book on the developmental works carried out in the Kolathur constituency and held a roadshow. Describing the electoral contest as a battle between Tamil Nadu and Delhi, he said, “Our victory is certain. With the overwhelming support I am receiving this time, it will be a massive victory for our alliance.”

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Kolathur, a constituency in the northern part of Chennai, has gained prominence since Stalin became Chief Minister in 2021. He has won the seat three consecutive times since 2011.

In Kolathur, Stalin faces TVK’s V.S. Babu, a former DMK MLA who later defected and is known for his organisational strength. The AIADMK has fielded Santhanakrishnan.

Of the 234 seats, the DMK is contesting 164, while 11 of its allies are contesting on the DMK’s Rising Sun symbol, taking its effective tally to 174. In the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, the Congress has been allotted 28 seats, the DMDK led by Premalatha Vijayakanth 10 seats, the VCK 8, Left parties CPI and CPI(M) 5 each, and the IUML 2.

In a significant development, Dalit leader and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) president Thol. Thirumavalavan, an MP, is contesting from Kattumannarkoil in Cuddalore district. In 2016, he lost the seat by just 87 votes to the AIADMK. Explaining his decision, he said, “The changing political situation in Tamil Nadu requires us to focus more on the state.”

Premalatha is contesting from Vriddhachalam, the constituency from which her husband and DMDK founder Vijayakanth was elected to the Assembly. Former Deputy Chief Minister and expelled AIADMK leader O. Panneerselvam, who failed to rejoin the party, has now aligned with the DMK-led front and is contesting from Bodinayakanur in his native Theni district.

Vijay, soon after filing his nomination, launched his campaign, accusing the DMK government of pushing the state into decline and compromising women’s safety. “For five years, Stalin had control of the Police Department. When basic security could not be ensured, why should this government continue? They may try to bribe you with large amounts of money—take it and blow the whistle (TVK symbol) in their ears,” he said.

Later in the day, the TVK lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging inadequate police security during Vijay’s campaign, which drew a massive crowd.