Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin and grandson of M Karunanidhi, faces a tough contest this time as he seeks to retain the prestigious Chepauk Assembly seat. For the DMK, Chepauk constituency — renamed Chepauk–Thiruvallikeni after the 2008 delimitation — is among its most secure strongholds.
The constituency’s legacy is closely tied to DMK leader and former Chief Minister K Karunanidhi, who won from the erstwhile Chepauk seat in 1996, 2001 and 2006. After he shifted to Tiruvarur, senior DMK leader J Anbazhagan held the seat, before Udhayanidhi made his electoral debut here in 2021 with a massive margin.
Civic challenges
Located in the heart of Chennai and home to landmarks such as Marina Beach, MA Chidambaram Stadium and Parthasarathy Temple, the constituency is densely populated and grapples with persistent civic challenges.
Residents point to narrow roads, traffic congestion, ageing infrastructure and sanitation issues. The stray cattle and dog menace and poor waste management around the Tiruvallikeni MRTS station remain major concerns. “One has to hold their nose while passing the station,” said a regular visitor, blaming both the Railways and the State government.
Residents believe Udhayanidhi may still retain the seat, but with a reduced margin. “There is not much challenge to the DMK, but the winning margin could shrink,” said a local resident.
In 2021, Udhayanidhi cruised to victory, defeating AVA Kassali of the Pattali Makkal Katchi by over 69,000 votes. This time, however, he faces a more seasoned challenger in Aadi Rajaram of the AIADMK.
Aadi Rajaram of the AIADMK, who will face-off against Udayanidhi Stalin in Chepauk constituency, on the campaign trail
Rajaram, who had earlier lost to MK Stalin in Thousand Lights (2006) and Kolathur (2021), is attempting a comeback with promises of safer streets, women’s security, drug-free and crime-free Tamil Nadu. The AIADMK-led NDA campaign has centred on law and order and governance issues.
Divisive politics
Udhayanidhi, on his part, has framed the contest as an ideological battle, accusing the National Democratic Alliance of divisive politics. He has urged voters to “defeat the communal alliance” and protect Tamil Nadu’s secular fabric.
Despite the challenge, DMK retains strong support among minorities and densely populated localities such as Ayodhya Nagar, Mattam Kuppam and Lock Nagar.
Local voices, however, underline everyday concerns. The Srinivas Young Men’s Association (SYMA), active in the area for over four decades, has flagged the stray cattle and dog menace as urgent issues. It has also called for better waste management, regulation of roadside eateries causing encroachments and a multi-level parking facility near the Parthasarathy Temple.
Other demands include improved facilities at the Krishnampet crematorium, including hygienic temporary body storage infrastructure.
Published on April 22, 2026