Villivakkam, one of the largest constituencies in Tamil Nadu, has long been a stronghold of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which has won the seat four times in the last five elections.
The party’s only recent setback came in 2011 during the sweeping victory of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) under J. Jayalalithaa.
Since then, the DMK has reclaimed the constituency with convincing back-to-back victories.
This election, however, presents a tougher contest. Apart from its traditional rival, the AIADMK, the DMK faces a fresh challenge from the newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam led by actor-turned-politician Joseph Vijay.
Key local issues such as women’s safety, law and order concerns, traffic congestion, and sewage overflows have become major talking points among residents.
Adding intrigue to the race is a face-off between two former DMK associates — Karthik Mohan of the DMK and Aadhava Arjuna of the TVK. Arjuna had earlier worked closely with Udhayanidhi Stalin as a political strategist before entering electoral politics.
The AIADMK, meanwhile, was initially banking on senior leader JCD Prabhakar, a two-time MLA. However, his defection to the TVK forced the party to field former Member of Parliament S. R. Vijayakumar, who is known for defeating Dayanidhi Maran in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.
The contest has also gained attention due to the candidature of Roshini i, a transgender candidate — the only one from the community contesting in Tamil Nadu this election.
Despite its status as a DMK bastion, the constituency is witnessing signs of voter churn. The TVK appears to be drawing support, particularly among younger voters and women, many of whom admire Vijay’s public persona.
“I voted for the DMK last time, but I will vote for TVK this time,” said Lakshmi, a 33-year-old homemaker from Bharathi Nagar. Her family cited concerns over women’s safety, the prevalence of alcohol and drugs, and civic issues such as sewage mixing with drinking water.
Residents also pointed to recurring flooding of the Otteri Nullah as a major concern affecting large parts of the constituency.
Traffic congestion remains another key issue. At the busy New Avadi Road–Madras Tiruvallur Road junction, an autorickshaw driver noted that ongoing Metro Rail work has worsened traffic conditions over the past few years.
He added that while the DMK retains an advantage, the entry of the TVK and a strong AIADMK candidate could lead to vote polarisation. He also flagged the presence of the Naam Tamilar Katchi, whose candidate Roshini is expected to attract votes in slum areas.
In this densely populated and industrial constituency, residents are also demanding improved bus connectivity and better roads.
Karthik Mohan, son of Anna Nagar MLA MK Mohan, expressed confidence in a DMK victory, framing the election as a battle to protect Tamil Nadu’s rights. He criticised the AIADMK’s alliance with the BJP and emphasised the need to defeat it.
His nomination filing drew attention when he was accompanied by V. S. Sabaresan, the son-in-law of Chief Minister M. K. Stalin.
Aadhava Arjuna, in a post on X, said voters were seeking “progress” and were ready to support a leader committed to the welfare of all sections of society.
AIADMK candidate Vijayakumar, meanwhile, criticised the incumbent for alleged inaccessibility and promised improved civic services, including regular piped water supply, a new MLA office, and a government school.
NTK candidate Roshini framed the election as an opportunity to move beyond the dominance of the two Dravidian majors.
While polling is on April 23, the May 4 results will decide who will win the three-cornered fight, the winning candidate from this constituency will be a part of the State Cabinet, observed a political analyst.
Published on April 13, 2026