‘DMK became careless’: A month after Tamil Nadu upheaval, voters in Stalin’s former seat take stock

In Kolathur, Tamil Nadu, a month after former Chief Minister MK Stalin lost his longtime seat to TVK candidate VS Babu by 8,000 votes, residents still debate his impact. B Anandababu, a lifelong DMK voter, remains upset by Stalin’s defeat, avoiding a post-election visit despite the former leader’s efforts to thank constituents. The constituency’s transformation under Stalin—marked by projects like the Chief Minister’s Mini Stadium and Perarignar Anna Marriage Hall—continues to draw crowds, with the swimming pool and badminton courts bustling with activity. Stalin’s loss ended decades of Dravidian party dominance in Tamil Nadu, where power has alternated between DMK and AIADMK since 1977. The TVK’s victory, led by actor-turned-politician Vijay Kanakamedu, marked a historic shift. Anandababu’s son now sports a black forehead dot like Vijay, a symbol of the new government’s growing influence. Meanwhile, Stalin’s legacy persists in Kolathur, where his portrait adorns public spaces alongside the slogan ‘Our Chief Minister, Our Pride.’ Residents like 71-year-old R Elappan credit Stalin with reviving the neighborhood, though he acknowledges voters’ tendency to switch parties every five years. Elappan, a former BJP supporter who voted DMK, recalls Stalin’s youthful charm and development work in Butmedu. Despite personal admiration, he notes the political pendulum swing, suggesting Vijay’s tenure may follow the same pattern. The election’s aftermath lingers in daily life, with conversations revolving around the shift in power. Stalin’s infrastructure projects remain tangible reminders of his tenure, even as the TVK consolidates control. The contrast between Stalin’s defeat and the enduring popularity of his initiatives highlights the complex dynamics of Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.