Chennai, May 4: A significant political upset is unfolding in Tamil Nadu as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin trails in his Kolathur constituency, while Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) registers strong gains across the state, indicating a potential shift in voter preference.
In Kolathur, long considered a stronghold of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), TVK candidate V.S. Babu has taken a clear lead after six rounds of counting with 24,993 votes. Stalin follows with 20,982 votes, while the AIADMK candidate remains far behind at 5,982 votes. The Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) candidate is in fourth place with 1,801 votes, underscoring a sharp departure from past electoral patterns in the constituency.
The emerging trend reflects broader momentum for TVK across Tamil Nadu. In Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar, the party is ahead after the third round of counting, securing 5,142 votes compared to DMK’s 3,182 and AIADMK’s 1,409. The NTK candidate trails in fourth position.
TVK’s growing presence is particularly evident in Chennai, where it is leading in key constituencies such as Egmore, Anna Nagar, Villivakkam, and Thousand Lights. These leads point to an expanding urban support base for the party, which is contesting its first Assembly elections.
Amid the shifting landscape, DMK has registered a partial hold in certain regions. Senior leader V. Senthil Balaji is maintaining a lead in Coimbatore South after the second round of counting, offering some relief to the ruling party as results continue to unfold.
The AIADMK, meanwhile, has shown strength in select constituencies. S.P. Velumani is leading in Thondamuthur after six rounds, indicating that the party retains pockets of influence despite the broader contest dynamics.
In Vriddhachalam, DMDK leader Premalatha Vijayakanth is trailing, reflecting the challenges faced by smaller parties and alliances in the current electoral contest.
TVK chief Vijay is consolidating his position with comfortable leads in both Perambur after four rounds and Tiruchy East after three rounds. His performance reinforces the party’s strong debut and its growing footprint in both urban and regional constituencies.
Reports suggest that TVK has arranged accommodation in a Mahabalipuram resort for its prospective winning MLAs, amid concerns over possible post-poll defections. The move signals the party’s anticipation of a substantial number of seats.
Reacting to the developments, TVK national spokesperson Felix Gerald expressed confidence that the party would secure a clear majority and form the government. He attributed the surge to public dissatisfaction with established political parties, stating that voters are seeking an alternative.
As counting progresses across Tamil Nadu, the trends indicate a possible reconfiguration of the state’s political order, with TVK emerging as a significant contender against long-standing Dravidian parties.
