In a major legal and political setback for the DMK, the Madras High Court on Thursday dismissed a writ petition filed by party president and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. The petition sought a 100 per cent physical verification and counting of VVPAT slips in the Kolathur Assembly constituency. Stalin had formally challenged the election victory of TVK MLA VS Babu in the 2026 Tamil Nadu state assembly polls, alleging widespread voting irregularities and demanding a complete recount. The court’s dismissal leaves Babu’s victory fully intact, marking a historic turning point in Chennai’s regional politics after Stalin’s three-term dominance in the constituency.
Stalin alleged discrepancies in EVM and VVPAT verification
In his petition, Stalin alleged irregularities in the voting process. He claimed that verification of 14 EVMs and VVPAT machines had revealed discrepancies. He sought re-verification of all voting machines used in the constituency.
Stalin also asked for a recount of votes and sought a declaration that Babu’s election be declared void. He wanted the court to declare him the winner of the Kolathur seat.
VS Babu ends Stalin’s winning run in Kolathur
Stalin had represented Kolathur three times and was seeking a fourth consecutive victory from the constituency. However, he lost the seat to Babu of the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly election.
Babu won by a margin of 8,795 votes. After the result, Stalin thanked voters and noted that the DMK alliance had secured more than 1.54 crore votes, with a 3.52 per cent difference from the winning party.
VS Babu credits Vijay and local connection for victory
Babu attributed his victory to TVK chief Vijay and his connection with local voters. He also pointed to the desire for change among people in Tamil Nadu.
“I have won only with our leader. Our leader’s face is the face of Tamil Nadu. People wanted a change, and they have changed this. I was born and brought up in that area. We know the pulse of people. It’s we who made him (MK Stalin) enter Kolathur. He doesn’t know anyone in Kolathur. Whether he is CM or MLA, he should mingle with the local people first. People are watching it,” VS Babu told ANI.
Bureau Report
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