Chennai

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M. K. Stalin on Monday filed his nomination papers from the Kolathur Assembly constituency in Chennai for the upcoming state elections.

Expressing confidence after submitting his papers, Stalin said he expects the people of Kolathur to elect him for a fourth consecutive term. He has previously won from the constituency in the 2011, 2016, and 2021 Assembly elections.

Following the nomination process, the DMK leader conducted a brief roadshow, greeting supporters and seeking their continued backing. He also released a book highlighting his developmental work in the constituency.

Stalin was accompanied by senior leaders of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, including Minister P K Sekar Babu, as he submitted his nomination at the designated election office.

The DMK has announced candidates for 164 constituencies and recently unveiled its election manifesto outlining its development agenda ahead of the April 23 polls.

Kolathur is set to witness a triangular contest. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has fielded Chennai Corporation councillor P Santhanakrishnan against Stalin, while actor-politician Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has nominated V S Babu.

Over the years, Stalin has focused on developing Kolathur into a model constituency, with emphasis on infrastructure, public welfare, and education. Among the notable initiatives is the ‘Mudhalvar Padaipagam’, a government-run co-working and learning hub aimed at supporting entrepreneurs, students, and aspirants preparing for competitive exams.

Other projects include modernised library-cum-workspaces in Periyar Nagar and Jawahar Nagar, a newly built market complex on Paper Mills Road to support small traders, and improved civic infrastructure such as upgraded sewage systems with IoT-based monitoring.

Additionally, welfare measures like housing projects, a women’s gymnasium, and other public amenities have been introduced to enhance the quality of life for residents.

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With the nomination process underway, the stage is set for a closely watched electoral battle in Kolathur as Tamil Nadu heads to the polls later this month.