TVK's V S Babu Defeats Sitting Chief Minister M K Stalin in Kolathur Constituency

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader M K Stalin suffered a historic electoral defeat in his Kolathur constituency on Monday, losing the seat to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) candidate V S Babu by nearly 9,000 votes. The election verdict marked a major shift in the state's political landscape as the ruling DMK lost power and several senior cabinet ministers were defeated.

Stalin had held the Kolathur constituency since 2011, having previously won the seat by a large margin in the 2021 elections. His defeat represents a rare occurrence in Tamil Nadu politics, where a sitting Chief Minister has lost in their own constituency.

Alongside Stalin, several senior DMK ministers lost their respective seats in the election. The defeated cabinet members include Durai Murugan, P Geetha Jeevan, Ma Subramanian, TM Anbarasan, Nazar, Mathiventhan, and T R B Raja.

Following the announcement of the election results, Stalin accepted the electorate's decision. In a statement posted on social media platform X, he congratulated the victors and expressed gratitude to the voters and party workers.

"We bow to and accept the verdict of the people. Congratulations to the victors!" Stalin stated. He defended his administration's record, saying that his government had created numerous projects, provided good governance, and campaigned on its achievements and welfare schemes.

Stalin added that the DMK, which has previously functioned as a ruling party, will now transition to its new role. "The political journey of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam will continue without faltering. The DMK, which has so far functioned as an exemplary ruling party for the people — henceforth will function as an exemplary opposition party," he said.

The election campaign featured intense debates over administrative issues, corruption allegations, and dynasty politics. The TVK, led by Vijay, capitalized on these issues, including criticisms surrounding alleged corruption at TASMAC liquor outlets, which resonated with voters and contributed to the DMK's defeat.