M. K. Stalin Loses Kolathur Seat to TVK’s V. S. Babu in Major Upset
In a major political development, M. K. Stalin has lost his Kolathur Assembly seat to V. S. Babu of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). In a closely contested election, Babu won by a margin of 8,795 votes on Monday.
According to the Election Commission of India, after 22 rounds of counting, Babu secured 82,997 votes, while Stalin polled 74,202.
The TVK candidate later collected his certificate of election at the Loyola College counting centre amid celebrations by party workers.
The result is symbolically significant, as Kolathur has been represented by Stalin since the constituency was created in 2008 following delimitation. This marks the first time he will not represent the seat in the Assembly.
The outcome also reflects a broader shift in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) facing a strong challenge from new entrant TVK.
TVK has made a notable debut in the state and is on course to emerge as the single-largest party in the Assembly.
As of 5:30 PM, ECI data shows TVK with 14 wins and leads in 94 seats. The DMK is in second place with 7 wins and 53 leads, while the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) alliance has secured 2 wins and is leading in 43 seats. The Congress has won 1 seat and is leading in 4.
The results also underscore the continued influence of film personalities in Tamil Nadu politics, with Vijay joining a long list of actor-turned-political leaders such as N. T. Rama Rao, M. G. Ramachandran, and J. Jayalalithaa.
(ANI)
